A five-year nuclear program freeze - that's Tehran's offer. Twenty years is Washington's demand. Somewhere between those numbers lies a deal that could reshape the Middle East - or leave it exactly where it is.

According to The New York Times, citing details from diplomatic meetings in Pakistan, Iran and the US have moved from general political messaging to discussions about specific timelines for halting Iranian nuclear activities. This means negotiations have entered a sensitive phase - the one where words start carrying weight.

Uranium is the bone of contention

Washington insists that 440 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60 percent be exported from Iran. Tehran says the material stays home, but offers the possibility of significantly diluting it to eliminate the weaponization risk. The White House confirmed talks are ongoing and that it's seeking another round of consultations, with the next meeting scheduled for Thursday.

On paper, this looks like progress. But how many such "historic deals" in the Middle East ended up in a drawer? Enriched uranium is the technical question. The real question is whether Trump wants a deal as a legacy or as a pressure tool ahead of elections. And Tehran? Tehran always plays the long game.