US, Iran at Impasse Over Nuclear, Hormuz Issues; 'Some Positive Signals' Noted

The Hankyoreh reports on the complex and often tense negotiations between the United States and Iran, highlighting the persistent challenges in resolving disputes over nuclear activities and maritime passage. While U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has cautiously mentioned "some positive signals," the fundamental disagreements over Iran's nuclear program and control of the Strait of Hormuz suggest a long road ahead.

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There have been some good signals, but I don't want to be overly optimistic. Let's see how things develop over the next few days.

Iranian sources, speaking anonymously to Reuters, have indicated that differences are narrowing, a sentiment echoed by Pakistan's Army Chief of Staff's visit to Tehran, reportedly facilitating message exchanges. However, these glimmers of progress are overshadowed by the core issues. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei's reported directive against exporting uranium, coupled with President Trump's firm stance on securing enriched uranium, underscores the deep mistrust and conflicting objectives.

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Although no agreement has been reached yet, the differences have narrowed.

The issue of the Strait of Hormuz remains a critical flashpoint. Iran's apparent intention to impose tolls, which President Trump vehemently opposes, frames the waterway as a matter of international access versus national control. Secretary Pompeo's warning that imposing tolls would render diplomatic solutions impossible further escalates the tension. Iran's proposed terms, including control over the Strait, war reparations, sanctions relief, and U.S. troop withdrawal, represent a comprehensive set of demands that the U.S. appears unwilling to meet wholesale.

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We will secure that (enriched uranium). We don't need it and we don't want it. We will likely destroy it after securing it, but we will not let them keep it.

Adding to the complexity, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei has largely denied recent media reports detailing negotiation specifics, dismissing claims about uranium enrichment as "media speculation." This official denial, while perhaps intended to manage public perception or negotiation strategy, adds another layer of ambiguity to the already opaque diplomatic process. From a Korean perspective, observing these high-stakes negotiations between major global powers serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance required in international diplomacy, particularly concerning nuclear proliferation and strategic waterways.

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We want the strait to remain open and free. We don't want tolls. It is an international waterway.