Donald Trump's push for a zero-enrichment nuclear deal with Iran faces major obstacles after recent peace talks. The US president insists Tehran must dismantle its nuclear program entirely, but Iran rejects this condition as a violation of its rights under the non-proliferation treaty. The two sides remain far apart on enrichment levels and verification protocols.

During talks in Islamabad, the US proposed a 20-year moratorium on enrichment while Iran countered with five years. A potential compromise would allow Iran to maintain its facilities while agreeing not to enrich uranium. However, Trump equates any enrichment with nuclear weapons development, complicating negotiations. The dispute centers on Iran's stockpile of 440kg of uranium enriched to 60% purity - enough for approximately 10 weapons if further processed.

Iran has more than 9,000kg of enriched uranium, with most at low levels but a significant portion near weapons-grade. Trump demands Tehran hand over this stockpile, claiming it has agreed to do so, while Iran denies any such commitment. The destruction of key facilities like Natanz and Fordow during recent conflicts adds another layer of complexity. With verification hampered by restricted IAEA access and concerns about hidden sites, reaching a deal that satisfies both Trump's demand for something "better" than the 2015 accord and Iran's insistence on maintaining leverage remains a formidable challenge.