US-Iran talks: Inside Tehran’s 3-stage proposal to end the war

Dubai: Iran has outlined a three-stage proposal aimed at turning the fragile ceasefire with the United States into a permanent end to the war within 30 days, according to a report by Al Jazeera.

The plan, sent via mediators, prioritises de-escalation and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, while pushing the more contentious nuclear issue to later stages — an approach that highlights the continuing divide between Washington and Tehran.

Phase 1: Ending the war and reopening Hormuz

• Permanent ceasefire within 30 days

• Mutual non-aggression pledge, including Israel and regional actors

• Gradual reopening of the Strait of Hormuz

• Phased lifting of the US naval blockade on Iranian ports

• Iran to take responsibility for clearing sea mines

Phase 2: Nuclear limits and conditions

• Return to uranium enrichment capped at 3.6%

• “Zero-stockpile” principle — no accumulation of enriched uranium

• No dismantling of nuclear infrastructure or facilities

• US and Israel to refrain from attacks in exchange for Iran halting strikes

Phase 3: Sanctions relief and regional framework

• Gradual lifting of sanctions

• Release of frozen Iranian assets in stages

• Strategic dialogue with Arab neighbours

• Proposal for a broader Middle East security framework

What does Trump want?

President Donald Trump has made clear that any deal must begin with strict limits on Iran’s nuclear programme, which he has repeatedly described as a red line.

Washington wants Iran to halt or sharply limit uranium enrichment, provide guarantees it will not develop nuclear weapons, and accept long-term international monitoring of its nuclear facilities.

The US has also pushed for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and an end to what it sees as Iran’s control over shipping through the waterway.

Trump has signalled scepticism about the latest proposal, saying Iran has “not yet paid a big enough price”, while warning that military action remains an option if tensions escalate.

The bottom line

Iran’s proposal prioritises ending the war and easing economic pressure first, while the United States insists on nuclear concessions upfront —leaving the talks deadlocked despite renewed diplomatic efforts.