Washington: The Trump administration has initiated preliminary discussions regarding the framework for potential peace talks with Iran, following three weeks of ongoing conflict. This development was reported by the website Axios, which cited US officials and sources familiar with the situation.
According to Anadolu Agency, the internal discussions are taking place as President Trump indicated his consideration of 'winding down' the conflict. However, US officials anticipate the fighting may continue for another two to three weeks. Meanwhile, advisers are working to establish groundwork for possible diplomatic negotiations.
President Trump's envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who is also the president's son-in-law, are reportedly engaged in early discussions about potential negotiations. A prospective agreement to end the conflict would likely involve reopening the Strait of Hormuz, addressing Iran's stockpile of highly enriched uranium, and establishing a long-term arrangement concerning Tehran's nuclear program, ballistic missiles, and support for regional proxy groups.
Currently, there has been no direct contact between Washington and Tehran. However, nations such as Egypt, Qatar, and the UK have been relaying messages between the two sides.
Egypt and Qatar have informed the US and Israel of Iran's interest in negotiations, although Iran has set strict conditions. These conditions include a ceasefire, guarantees against a resumption of hostilities, and compensation. President Trump has dismissed the demand for reparations as a "non-starter," though a US official suggested the matter could be reframed as the return of frozen Iranian assets.
The US, in return, is seeking several commitments from Iran, including a temporary suspension of its missile program, halting uranium enrichment, and dismantling reactors at nuclear facilities that were previously targeted. Additionally, the US seeks stringent international monitoring of centrifuge activity, regional arms control agreements, and an end to Iranian funding for groups like Hezbollah, Yemen's Houthis, and Hamas.
Advisers to President Trump are also deliberating on who in Iran would be the most suitable point of contact for negotiations and which country could act as a mediator. Although Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has been an intermediary in past talks, some US officials doubt his authority to finalize an agreement. Washington is considering potential mediators, with Qatar emerging as a preferred option due to its prior role in negotiations related to Gaza, despite reports of Qatari officials being hesitant to serve as the primary public mediator.