look news india
Washington/Tehran: Amidst the increasing tension in the Middle East, the world’s eyes are now on the second round of diplomatic talks to be held between America and Iran. According to the exclusive agenda accessed by CNN News18, talks are taking place on the table between the two countries, but deep differences still persist. While Washington wants to rein in Iran through a ‘Grand Bargain’, Tehran is not ready to compromise with its sovereignty and regional power. The results of this conversation will decide the direction of the global oil market and international security.
Nuclear programme: 20 years vs 5 years deadlock
The biggest wall in negotiations remains Iran’s Uranium Enrichment program. America has a strict condition that Iran should completely stop its nuclear program for the next 20 years. In response, Iran has offered only 5 years. America has made it clear that sanctions will be relaxed only if Iran takes ‘concrete nuclear steps’, while Iran insists that all economic sanctions imposed on it be removed before talks can proceed.
Strait of Hormuz: trade route or battlefield?
There is also a standoff over the world’s most important oil route ‘Strait of Hormuz’. This waterway has now become the biggest center of bargaining. According to the agenda, both the countries have their own claims regarding control and ‘passage fees’ of ships passing through this strait. If a consensus is not reached here, then there is bound to be a huge surge in global oil prices, which will impact the economy of the entire world including India.
America’s pressure on Hezbollah and proxy networks
The US administration wants Iran to immediately stop providing military aid to its allied groups, especially Hezbollah and the Houthi rebels. In retaliation, Iran has sought concrete security guarantees from America to stop Israeli attacks on Lebanon. Here, Hezbollah’s tough stance in Lebanon has added fuel to the fire. Hezbollah leader Wafik Safa has made it clear that he will not accept any outcome of the US-Israel talks that is against their existence.
Missile program and demand for compensation increased tension
Apart from the nuclear programme, the US also wants tough sanctions on Iran’s ballistic missile programme. At the same time, Iran has demanded compensation from America for the huge economic losses suffered due to sanctions in the last few years. There are also discussions on creating a permanent structure under the supervision of the United Nations (UN), but the ongoing war between Israel and Lebanon has made this diplomatic path extremely rocky.