Mike Baker

First, let's look at the key issues here, the ones where there really haven't been any agreements so far.

First, the Strait of Hormuz.

At the center of Iran's opening position is control over that critical waterway.

It's the regime's main, possibly only, point of leverage.

Tehran clearly wants to maintain authority there, even under a ceasefire.

It's all about controlling global energy flows and using that as pressure on the U.S.

and allies.

The U.S.

declared at the start of the ceasefire, or whatever it is, that the two-week cessation of hostilities was dependent on the strait being reopened.

Well, that hasn't happened, and by the looks of it, the Iranian regime isn't intending to back down.

Second, they're demanding broad sanctions relief.

Iran's proposal calls for lifting both primary and secondary sanctions, essentially opening the door for U.S.

and foreign businesses to re-engage with the Iranian economy.

Now, that's a major ask, and one that would run straight into political and legal hurdles in Washington, especially when it comes to sanctions tied to terrorism and human rights, well, such as the right not to be slaughtered by your own government when you take to the streets in peaceful protest.

Third, they're demanding that they preserve their nuclear program.

Now, Tehran is still pushing for recognition of its right to enrich uranium.

There may be room for limits or caps here, but the core demand hasn't changed.

They're not agreeing to give that capability up entirely.

And that one's a non-starter for the Trump administration.

The White House has been clear.