US-Iran Talks Show Progress, But Uranium And Hormuz Issues Still Unresolved

Washington: America and Iran are still at loggerheads on two issues. The first is Iran's uranium reserves and the second is control over the Strait of Hormuz. Hormuz is the passage through which one-third of the world's oil passes. Talks are going on between the two countries so that a major war does not happen, but the matter is not being resolved.

Did anything new happen in the talks?

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged that there were "some good signs" in the latest talks. But he is not expressing much hope. He said, "Let's see what happens in the next few days." On the other hand, a senior Iranian official told Reuters that no agreement has been reached yet. Yes, the gap between the two has definitely reduced a bit in the last few days.

Where is the issue with uranium and Hormuz?

The real fight is on two things. Iran does not want to give its enriched uranium to anyone. It also wants to maintain its control over the ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. America does not accept both things. President Donald Trump has clearly said that he will take away all the highly enriched uranium from Iran. They suspect that Iran can make a nuclear bomb from it. "We'll take that uranium. We don't need it, maybe we'll destroy it. But we won't let Iran keep it," Trump said at the White House.

What did Trump say about the Strait of Hormuz?

Trump strongly opposed imposing tolls or restrictions on ships in Hormuz. Said, "This is an international route. We want it open and free. There will be no toll here." But Iran is adamant in its insistence. Iran says that its nuclear program is peaceful. According to Reuters, Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has ordered that enriched uranium will not go out of the country. Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister even said that the environment of Hormuz has changed due to the actions of America and Israel. Now Iran has the right to take steps to protect its interests.

What effect is this having on the oil market?

The whole world is troubled by this tension. Oil prices are increasing. The International Energy Agency has warned that this is one of the world's worst energy crises. In July-August, when the heat increases and the demand for oil peaks, the situation may go into the "red zone". There are still some ships passing through Hormuz, but far fewer than before. Iranian media says that only 31 ships left in the last 24 hours. Before the war, more than 125 ships passed every day.

Is there a middle way?

Pakistan is trying to resolve the matter. Army Chief Asim Munir is going to Tehran. People associated with the conversation told Reuters that Trump's patience is running out, so messages are being sent rapidly from both sides. Iran has sent a new proposal to America this week. But the demands are the same old ones that Trump has rejected before. Iran wants control over Hormuz, war compensation, sanctions lifted, its confiscated money returned and America withdrawing its troops from the area.

Is there a danger of war again?

Trump has threatened that if things are not resolved, America will attack Iran again. In response, Iran's Revolutionary Guards have said that if attacked, they will take revenge in the entire area. Even after weeks of negotiations and a fragile ceasefire, Iran still has enough uranium and missiles to make bombs. This is what is scaring America and its friends. At present the situation remains tense.