Foreign Affairs, Seyed Hossein Mousavian, April 17, 2026
Summary of the 20-Point Proposal for a Comprehensive U.S.–Iran Agreement:
1. Use current direct talks as an opportunity to launch a path toward a comprehensive agreement and establish a sustainable mechanism for ongoing dialogue.
2. Move beyond deep-rooted mistrust by acknowledging historical realities on both sides.
3. End U.S. policies aimed at regime change or the use of force against Iran.
4. Shift the paradigm from confrontation to managing differences as a foundation for lasting peace.
5. Define a comprehensive framework addressing nuclear issues, the Strait of Hormuz, and other major concerns simultaneously.
6. Correct mutual misperceptions about the balance of power as a prerequisite for agreement.
7. Consolidate a ceasefire as an initial confidence-building measure.
8. Establish a shared objective: stable, non-confrontational relations.
9. Accept that neither side can defeat the other, making compromise essential.
10. Leverage mutual bargaining tools to achieve a balanced agreement.
11. Ensure mutual respect for each other’s regional interests and end regional confrontations.
12. Design a nuclear solution based on:
•U.S. recognition of Iran’s right to enrich uranium, with time-bound limitations (e.g., no enrichment for 10 years, followed by enrichment below 5%).
•Dilution of 60% enriched uranium, sealed and storage inside Iran under IAEA supervision.
•Creation of a regional joint enrichment consortium to ensure non-proliferation.
•A bilateral nuclear agreement ensuring Iran remains non-nuclear-weapon state while its rights are recognized without discrimination.
13. Expand cooperation to non-nuclear areas, especially security in the Strait of Hormuz.
14. Avoid escalatory policies like naval blockades and move toward maritime cooperation.
15. Establish a collective security mechanism among Persian Gulf states via a regional dialogue forum endorsed by the UN Security Council and managed by the UN Secretary-General.
16. Encourage a U.S. role in de-escalating Iran–Israel tensions and ending mutual military and existential threats.
17. Accept gradual normalization of U.S.–Iran relations instead of expecting a rapid, full agreement.
18. Initiate practical cooperation in areas of shared interest.
19. Restore relations to a status similar to the post-revolution period before the U.S. Embassy crisis.
20. Emphasize mutual flexibility as the key condition for achieving a comprehensive agreement.
https://www.foreignaffairs.com/united-states/america-and-irans-long-road-peace