WASHINGTON, May 27: US President Donald Trump is set to meet his Cabinet on Wednesday as negotiations aimed at ending the conflict with Iran remain uncertain, despite his recent claim that Washington and Tehran had “largely negotiated” a settlement.
Trump has projected confidence that a deal is near, one that would reopen the Strait of Hormuz and allow him to argue that Iran’s nuclear capabilities have been weakened sufficiently to claim victory and wind down a war that has proved politically unpopular among Republicans.
However, the negotiations remain fragile. Critics argue the emerging agreement leaves many important issues unresolved and could allow Iran’s hardline leadership to emerge weakened but ultimately emboldened.
The timing is politically sensitive for Trump and Republicans, with midterm elections approaching and concerns growing about inflation and rising fuel prices affecting voters’ mood.
Tensions increased further after US forces launched what the Pentagon described as “defensive” strikes on missile launch sites and mine-laying boats in southern Iran earlier this week.
While Washington insisted the strikes were restrained and consistent with the ongoing ceasefire, Iran condemned them as evidence of American “bad faith.”
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said negotiations over reopening the Strait of Hormuz and extending the ceasefire would continue for several more days, stressing that Trump would either secure “a good deal or no deal.”
Trump is also facing criticism from prominent Republican allies, including Senators Roger Wicker, Lindsey Graham and Ted Cruz, who argue that the proposed terms appear too favourable to Tehran and resemble the nuclear agreement negotiated under former President Barack Obama, which Trump abandoned during his first term.
Under the proposed deal, Iran would surrender its stockpile of highly enriched uranium in exchange for sanctions relief.
Officials familiar with the talks said some uranium could be diluted while the rest may be transferred to another country during a 60-day implementation period.
According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, Iran currently possesses about 440.9 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60 per cent purity, close to weapons-grade levels.
Another unresolved issue is whether the ceasefire would include Israel’s military operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Iran insists Lebanon must be covered, while the draft agreement reportedly preserves Israel’s right to act in self-defence.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has already announced expanded military operations in Lebanon.
Trump has also tied the negotiations to expanding the Abraham Accords by encouraging countries such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Pakistan to normalise ties with Israel.
However, regional leaders remain cautious, particularly Saudi Arabia, which continues to insist on progress toward a Palestinian state before recognising Israel. (AP)
