U.S.-Iran Tug-of-War: Uranium, Strait, and Lebanon’s Hazy Path

Posted on by

(SeaPRwire) –

By: Julian Holbrooke

The U.S. and Iran are locked in a standoff. The U.S. claims Iran will surrender uranium. Iran says no way. A deal is due Friday in Switzerland. Past announcements fell through. Tensions spiked last week with exchanges of fire. War started Feb 28, shook the region. Ceasefire holds since April 7.

A 60-day period aims to tackle Iran’s nuclear program. U.S. fears nuclear arms. Iran insists its program is peaceful. Yet, it has enough enriched uranium. U.S. wants to remove that uranium. Iran refuses. Deal may also open the Strait of Hormuz. Iran wants to charge ships transiting. Strait is key for oil.

Sanctions on Iran may be lifted. But Lebanon’s fate is unclear. Pakistan’s PM said military ops end. Israel hasn’t signed off. Iran demands Lebanon ceasefire. Israel’s defense minister warns of independent action.

Author bio: Julian Holbrooke, international relations analyst with stints in major European dailies.