In familiar standoff, US and Iranian demands leave little room for deal
What were already difficult negotiations before the war have grown even more fraught under Iran's new hard-line leadership.
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WASHINGTON — The Trump administration is warning Iran of “more death and destruction” if it refuses to reach a deal with the United States, but analysts say added military pressure is unlikely to change Tehran’s calculus.
Iran balked at the 15-point plan put forward by the United States this week, which among other things called for the dismantling of the Iranian nuclear program and strict limits on its missile use. Speaking at a Cabinet meeting Thursday, US negotiator Steve Witkoff said Iran received the plan through Pakistan and is “looking for an off-ramp.”
But Iran’s public response suggests otherwise. It has issued a set of five demands that includes guarantees against future US attacks, compensation for strike-related damage and recognition of what it says is its right to control traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.
