With US-Iran peace negotiations entering a critical window, Tehran has recently issued its clearest signal yet regarding the nuclear issue. The Iranian Foreign Ministry explicitly stated that if Washington persists in placing Iran's enriched uranium stockpiles and nuclear program at the core of the current negotiation agenda, reaching a final agreement may prove difficult. Official statements emphasize that the priority at this stage should be ending the state of conflict and alleviating regional tensions, rather than delving deeply into nuclear specifics.

This firm stance is a direct response to recent remarks from the US side. US leaders had previously publicly declared that they would ensure the seizure and potential destruction of Iran's high-assay enriched uranium, leaving open the possibility of aggressive measures otherwise. In response, Iran highlighted that as a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, it retains the right to peaceful nuclear utilization. More critically, Iran's top leadership has issued internal directives mandating that enriched uranium stockpiles must not be shipped abroad. Senior officials fear that if nuclear materials were to flow overseas, the nation would face heightened security threats in the future. Currently, Iran holds approximately 440 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60 percent, just a step away from weapons-grade material, making it a primary focus for Washington. Meanwhile, Israel has also stated it will not consider the war concluded unless the enriched uranium is removed and regional militia groups cease their support.

Despite sharp confrontations on nuclear matters, diplomatic channels remain partially open. Acting as a mediator, Pakistan continues to facilitate communication, with its Army Chief of Staff recently arriving in Tehran to meet senior Iranian officials. Reports indicate that the latest negotiation text conveyed by the US via Pakistan has narrowed certain gaps, though a breakthrough still requires Washington to abandon hawkish tendencies. However, significant mirror-opposition persists on core demands: the US seeks the removal and destruction of enriched uranium while maintaining military deployments in the Hormuz Strait, whereas Iran insists nuclear materials remain domestically contained and demands the withdrawal of foreign naval forces. Furthermore, issues such as sanctions relief, frozen overseas assets, and war compensation remain unresolved.

For the global energy market, the uncertainty stemming from this deadlock cannot be overlooked. Market analysis suggests that while the ideological divide on nuclear issues is difficult to bridge in the short term, it does not necessarily imply an inevitable breakdown. Given the shrinking window for action, both sides may seek a temporary compromise. This could involve achieving a ceasefire and halting violence first, restoring limited navigation in the Hormuz Strait, and deferring nuclear discussions, provided it aligns with Iran's interests and security considerations. Ultimately, the timeline for normalizing Persian Gulf oil supplies in the near term still depends on whether the US and Iran can find common ground in non-nuclear areas.