In a significant development, US President Donald Trump has stated that Iran has effectively agreed to the terms of a potential nuclear deal with the United States. During a press briefing, Trump characterized the recent discussions between the two nations, which concluded on Sunday, as serious negotiations aimed at achieving long-term peace in the region.
Amid these negotiations, an adviser to Iran's supreme leader disclosed to NBC News that Tehran is prepared to make significant concessions regarding its nuclear program. In exchange for lifting the crippling economic sanctions, Iran is willing to reconsider its stance on uranium enrichment. While the US insists on the complete cessation of Iran's uranium enrichment to prevent the nation from developing nuclear weapons, Iran maintains that its nuclear activities are solely for peaceful purposes.
Speaking on Thursday during a visit to Qatar, part of his multi-day Gulf tour, Trump expressed optimism about the negotiations, suggesting that a deal concerning Iran's nuclear program could be nearing completion. He hinted that military action against Iranian nuclear sites might be avoided, stating, "We're not going to be making any nuclear dust in Iran." This declaration followed a meeting in Doha with local business leaders, where he reiterated, "I think we're getting close to maybe doing a deal without having to do this."
Trump's remarks came shortly after Ali Shamkhani, an adviser to Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, indicated in a US media interview that Tehran was indeed willing to accept substantial limits on its nuclear program. Shamkhani informed ABC News that Iran would consider relinquishing stockpiles of highly enriched uranium as part of a broader agreement that includes the lifting of US sanctions.
The most recent discussions regarding Tehran's nuclear ambitions wrapped up on Sunday, with both parties committing to reconvene for further talks. US Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff described the negotiations as encouraging, while Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi deemed them difficult yet productive. This dialogue follows Trump's withdrawal from a prior nuclear agreement involving Iran and five other world powers back in 2018. He has previously warned that military action could be a possibility if the ongoing negotiations, which commenced in April, fail to yield satisfactory results.
A senior US official revealed that the latest discussions lasted over three hours, noting, "Agreement was reached to move forward with the talks to continue working through technical elements." The official expressed optimism about the outcomes and highlighted the anticipation for the upcoming meeting, which is expected to take place in the near future.
As the situation continues to evolve, all eyes remain on the negotiations between the US and Iran, with the hope that a mutually agreeable solution can be reached, securing peace and stability in the region.