US and Iran Were Zeroing In on Four Specific Nuclear Issues Before Latest Flare-Up
The New York Times reported overnight that US and Iranian negotiators had been zeroing in on four specific nuclear issues in the talks before the latest flare-up: the enriched-uranium disposal pathway, the Strait of Hormuz governance, the IAEA inspection framework and the sanctions-relief sequencing. The detailed breakdown reveals how close the technical negotiations had been. Iran has not yet formally responded to Trump’s tougher edits on the four issues. The Pakistani mediator role from Tehran continues; the talks have not formally collapsed despite the overnight strikes exchange.
The four-issue breakdown reveals the structural shape of the deal. The enriched-uranium disposal pathway covers the fate of Iran’s estimated 440.9 kg of 60%-enriched uranium stockpile — Iran has insisted any disposal must be under IAEA supervision and reportedly resisted the Vance request for a 20-year suspension. The Strait of Hormuz governance edit is the mechanism for managing post-cessation naval traffic without a formal Iranian tolling arrangement. The IAEA inspection framework covers verification access to Iranian sites including Natanz and Isfahan. The sanctions-relief sequencing covers the order of US sanctions waivers tied to Iranian compliance milestones. All four areas remain unresolved.