Why are the US, Iran arguing over duration of uranium enrichment ban?

Key Points

• The U.S. has proposed a 20-year moratorium on Iranian uranium enrichment, a significant shift from previous demands for a permanent ban.
• Iran has countered with a 'single-digit' year pause, arguing a long-term ban would violate its rights under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
• The dispute over the enrichment timeline is the main sticking point preventing a deal, with mediators working to bridge gaps before the April 21 ceasefire deadline.
• President Trump announced a blockade on Iran to increase leverage in the talks, while Vice President Vance claims 'flexibility' but faces Iranian rejection.

Full Details

During negotiations in Islamabad, the U.S. proposed a 20-year moratorium on Iranian uranium enrichment, softening its previous demand for a permanent ban, according to sources familiar with the matter. Iran rejected this, offering only a 'single-digit' year pause, as it views a long-term ban as forfeiting its right to produce nuclear fuel under the NPT. The dispute over the timeline is the primary obstacle to a deal, with Pakistani, Egyptian, and Turkish mediators working to resolve differences before the April 21 ceasefire ends. President Trump announced a blockade on Iran to increase leverage, while Vice President JD Vance claimed 'flexibility' but was rebuffed by Tehran. Israeli PM Netanyahu noted the main sticking points are removing enriched material and ensuring no enrichment 'in the coming years, and that could be in decades.'