Disagreements Over Uranium Enrichment Stall Talks... U.S. Moves to Resume 'Project Freedom'

U.S. Demands 20-Year Enrichment Suspension,
Iran Insists on 10 to 15 Years
Saudi Arabia and Kuwait Lift Airspace Restrictions
China Wants Strait Reopened Before Summit

The United States and Iran are discussing a provisional agreement that would include reopening the Strait of Hormuz and a 30-day cessation of hostilities, but differences over the duration of uranium enrichment suspension and the handling of nuclear facilities have emerged as the key variables in the final stages. The U.S. is demanding that Iran suspend enrichment for 20 years, export highly enriched uranium, and close its nuclear facilities. In contrast, Iran is pushing for a 10- to 15-year cap and the transfer of nuclear material to a third country. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait have withdrawn their restrictions on the use of U.S. military bases and airspace, and the upcoming U.S.-China summit scheduled for May 14-15 is also closely watching the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

According to The New York Times on May 7 (local time), the United States and Iran are negotiating a provisional agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and suspend hostilities for 30 days. The New York Times reported that both sides’ negotiating teams are exchanging proposals on how to frame a potential permanent agreement.

The provisional agreement reportedly includes: ▲ The U.S. lifting its blockade of Iranian ships and ports ▲ Resumption of commercial vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz ▲ Suspension of hostilities by both parties. With the prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz increasing instability in global oil supply chains, the international community is also closely following the progress of the negotiations.

However, there are still significant differences between the two sides regarding how to handle Iran’s nuclear program. The United States has reportedly demanded that Iran transfer its stockpile of highly enriched uranium to the U.S., close three nuclear facilities, and suspend uranium enrichment for 20 years.

On the other hand, Iran has proposed diluting some uranium and transferring the remainder to third countries such as Russia, and insists it can only accept a suspension period of 10 to 15 years. The Iranian side agrees in principle not to pursue nuclear weapons, but maintains that it is difficult to accept the duration of suspension and the closure of nuclear facilities.

Mark Kimmitt, former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State, told Al Jazeera, "The demand for a complete halt to uranium enrichment by Iran is unrealistic, and it is unlikely that Iran will accept it."

'Project Freedom' Set to Resume? U.S.-China Summit Also in Play 

Meanwhile, military tensions in the Middle East are rising again. According to The Wall Street Journal, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait have lifted their restrictions on U.S. military base and airspace usage for the so-called Project Freedom. Project Freedom is a U.S. operation to ensure the safe passage of civilian vessels stranded in the waters due to Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

Previously, after the U.S. pressed ahead with the project, Saudi Arabia imposed restrictions on the use of its airspace and bases. However, after further discussions between U.S. President Donald Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia reportedly reversed its stance. As a result, the Trump Administration is considering resuming the previously suspended naval escort operations in the Strait of Hormuz.

Yonhap News Agency

The U.S.-China summit scheduled for May 14-15 is also being influenced by the situation in the Middle East. According to Bloomberg News, China is reportedly uneasy about holding the summit while the Iran conflict and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz remain unresolved.

China imports about 90% of Iran’s exported crude oil. While the share of Iranian oil in China’s overall imports is relatively small, approximately 40-50% of this oil is imported via the Strait of Hormuz. This is why China is highly sensitive to the possibility of a prolonged blockade.

However, China has not officially requested a postponement of the summit so far. Chinese authorities have reportedly conveyed to European officials that they hope the maritime blockade will be lifted before the summit. The White House told Bloomberg that "there are no changes to the U.S.-China summit."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.