The United States has proposed that Iran accept a 20-year moratorium on uranium enrichment, according to sources familiar with recent negotiations in Islamabad. Tehran countered with a shorter, "single digit" period. The differences over the nuclear program were the main sticking point that prevented a deal over the weekend.
Pakistani, Egyptian, and Turkish mediators are now trying to bridge the remaining gaps to reach a deal before a ceasefire ends on April 21. The U.S. demand for a moratorium was a critical issue in the marathon talks, with a source noting the proposal included "all kind of other restrictions."