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Amidst months of ongoing tension in the Middle East, the world's eyes are now focused on the ongoing diplomatic talks between America and Iran. Talks between the two countries to stop the war are progressing, but no final agreement has been reached yet. The US sent a detailed 14-point proposal to Iran on May 6, which covers many sensitive issues ranging from a ceasefire to the nuclear program and the Strait of Hormuz.

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Although Washington expected Tehran to respond by May 8, Iran has made it clear that it will not rush into any decision. The Iranian leadership says every word and condition of the proposal is being studied closely and only a “fair and balanced” agreement will be accepted.

What is America's 14 point proposal?

In the one-page proposal sent by America, the biggest condition has been laid regarding Iran's nuclear program. According to the proposal, Iran would have to stop uranium enrichment for at least 12 years. Apart from this, a demand has been made to hand over about 440 kg of 60 percent enriched uranium possessed by it to a third country.

America argues that if the level of enrichment reaches 90 percent then nuclear weapons can be made from it. This is the reason why Washington does not seem ready to take any kind of risk on this issue. Along with this, the proposal also includes a demand to completely open the Strait of Hormuz within 30 days. This sea route is considered very important in terms of global energy supply, because about 20 percent of the world's oil and gas supply passes through this route. In return, America has indicated about removing some old economic sanctions, returning Iran's frozen assets and providing economic relief.

Why is Iran delaying in responding?

According to reports, the language of the American proposal is quite technical and legal. Iranian officials are thoroughly reviewing every date, every condition and every word of the document. There are many power centers present in Iran's political system and the consent of all the institutions is considered necessary before taking the final decision. The most important role is believed to be that of Supreme Leader Mujtaba Khamenei. It is believed that without his approval no formal reply will be sent to America.

Experts also believe that Iran wants to send a message to the world that it will not bow to any pressure and take a decision. On the other hand, the American administration wants to finalize the deal quickly. It is also clear from the continuous statements coming from US President Donald Trump and Foreign Minister Marco Rubio that Washington wants quick results.

What are Iran's own demands?

Iran has also put forward its conditions for talks. According to reports, Tehran is working on a three-phase formula. The first phase may last for 30 days, in which efforts will be made to ensure a permanent ceasefire on every front. Iran wants not only military action against it to stop but also attacks on allied groups like Hezbollah in Lebanon to stop. This is the point where it is considered difficult for America to give a guarantee. Tehran's biggest demand is that there should be no attack against it again in future and the United Nations Security Council should give its international guarantee. Apart from this, Iran is also adamant on the demand of removing all economic sanctions, returning frozen assets and ending the American blockade.

Why did the Strait of Hormuz become the biggest controversy?

The most sensitive issue in the entire conversation remains the Strait of Hormuz and the nuclear programme. The US wants Iran to weaken its claims to control over this strategic sea route, so that the global oil supply remains secure. But Iran considers it an important part of its strategic strength and regional influence. This is the reason why there does not seem to be a consensus between the two countries on this issue.

Can an agreement be reached soon?

At present the indications are that talks will continue, but there appears to be little possibility of any major agreement soon. Issues like lack of trust between the two countries, differences over the nuclear program and regional security guarantees are complicating the talks. If a balanced formula emerges in the coming days, it could prove to be a major turning point not only for the relations between America and Iran but also for the energy and security system of the entire world.