The US has set five conditions for negotiations with Iran on a nuclear deal, reports Iranian news agency Fars.
The U.S. response to Iran's latest nuclear proposal includes five main conditions: no compensation for damages, removal of 400 kg of uranium to the U.S., only one operational Iranian nuclear facility, less than 25% return of frozen assets, and cessation of fighting in all arenas as a precondition for negotiations.
Experts cited by Fars believe the proposal aims to achieve objectives the U.S. failed to secure militarily. Iran has set its own five preconditions: ending war on all fronts including Lebanon, lifting sanctions, releasing frozen funds, compensation for war damages, and recognition of Iranian sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz.
AFP adds: The USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier, dispatched to the Middle East ahead of the outbreak of war with Iran, returned home to the United States on Saturday after a 326-day deployment, the Pentagon said.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was on hand in Norfolk, Virginia to welcome home the largest aircraft carrier in the world, the US military said on X.
It was the longest deployment for a US carrier strike group since the Vietnam War.
The Ford's deployment saw it take part in US operations in the Caribbean, where Washington's forces have carried out strikes on alleged drug-smuggling boats, interdicted sanctioned tankers and seized Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.
It was then dispatched to the Middle East to participate in combat operations
against Iran.
The carrier's long deployment included a fire in a laundry room on March 12, which injured two
sailors and caused major damage to some 100 beds, according to the
US military.
The carrier also reportedly suffered significant problems with its toilet system while at sea.
