US Explores Possible Talks with Iran Amid Ongoing War
The Trump administration has started early planning for potential peace negotiations with Iran, even as the conflict enters its fourth week, according to a report by Axios citing US officials and informed sources.
Advisers are laying the foundation for diplomacy while President Trump indicated on Friday that he is considering winding down military operations. However, officials expect fighting to continue for another two to three weeks.
Trump’s envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner participate in these initial discussions about what negotiations might involve.
Any final agreement would likely require Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, reduce its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, and accept long-term limits on its nuclear program, ballistic missiles, and support for proxy groups in the region.
No direct talks have taken place between Washington and Tehran recently. Instead, Egypt, Qatar, and the United Kingdom have passed messages between the two sides.
Iran’s Conditions and US Response
Egypt and Qatar told the United States and Israel that Iran wants negotiations but only under clear conditions. Iran demands a ceasefire, guarantees that fighting will not restart, and compensation for damages.
Trump has called reparations a “non-starter.” One US official suggested reframing the issue as the return of frozen Iranian assets. “They call it reparations. Maybe we call it return of frozen money,” the official said. “There’s many different ways that we can wordsmith so that it solves politically what they need to solve.”
US Demands from Iran
The United States seeks several key commitments. Washington wants Iran to suspend its missile program for five years, stop enriching uranium, and dismantle reactors at the Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordow nuclear sites that recent strikes damaged.
US officials also demand strict international monitoring of centrifuge operations, regional arms control agreements that limit missile ranges, and an end to Iranian financial support for groups such as Hezbollah, the Houthis in Yemen, and Hamas.
Advisers are working to identify the most suitable Iranian contact for talks. While Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has served as a key figure in past discussions, some US officials believe he lacks the authority to finalize any deal.
Mediator Options
The administration is evaluating possible mediators. Several officials favor Qatar due to its successful role in Gaza-related negotiations. However, Qatari leaders appear hesitant to take the lead as the main public mediator.
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