US weighs Iran talks while drafting sweeping demands on nuclear, missile programmes

The administration of US President Donald Trump has begun internal discussions on shifting toward negotiations with Iran and outlining the parameters of a potential agreement, according to two sources cited by Axios. The sources said the deliberations involve the president’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, both participating in preparations for a diplomatic track.

According to the sources, Washington is considering demanding that Tehran halt uranium enrichment entirely and dismantle nuclear facilities at Natanz, Isfahan and Fordo. The US and Israel targeted these sites in 2025. Additional US demands under discussion include a five-year moratorium on Iran’s missile programme, a cap of 1,000 missiles, guarantees of freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, and the termination of support for proxy groups, including Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in the Gaza Strip and the Houthis in Yemen.

Indirect channels carry messages between the sides

The sources said no direct contact has taken place between the US and Iran in recent days. Instead, Egypt, Qatar and the United Kingdom have been relaying messages between the two sides. The same sources indicated that Iran has shown interest in talks but has set out stringent conditions, including a ceasefire, non-aggression guarantees and compensation payments.

A US official described the compensation demand as “unacceptable” from Trump’s perspective. A second source said the return of Iranian frozen assets could be raised as an alternative.

The report said Trump’s team is still assessing who in Iran would serve as a negotiating counterpart and which country could assume a mediating role. Qatar is being prioritised by Washington, with officials viewing it as a more reliable channel than Oman, which had played a role in earlier contacts. However, Qatar is currently prepared to provide only behind-the-scenes support.

Despite deep differences and the absence of direct engagement, the administration is proceeding on the assumption that Iran will ultimately come to the negotiating table. Within that framework, officials believe a potential peace process could begin in the near term.

Iran rejects diplomatic outreach

In contrast, sources in the Middle East cited by The Washington Post said Iran has rejected US diplomatic overtures. They said Tehran has stepped up attacks on neighbouring countries and may be seeking to deepen global economic disruption through a potential blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

A European diplomat stationed in the Gulf region said, “As long as this regime remains in power, it can project fear across the region and influence international markets through oil and gas prices. They see this as an outcome. They do not feel the need to negotiate.”

Trump said on March 22 that he does not want to reach an agreement with Iran. He added that the objectives set at the outset of the military operation had been achieved: “The leadership structures have been eliminated, the navy and air force have been neutralised, they have no defences left, and they want to make a deal. But I do not.”

Trump had previously said Washington was considering ending its military campaign against Iran, arguing that most operational objectives had been fulfilled. The White House, however, expects the conflict could continue for another two to three weeks.