Negotiators are discussing a framework that would suspend Iranian enrichment, dilute existing uranium stockpiles, dismantle key facilities and expand international inspections.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
The Trump administration and Iran are discussing a possible nuclear agreement that could freeze Iranian uranium enrichment for 15 years, according to a report on confidential negotiations between Washington and Tehran.
Citing U.S. officials and diplomats briefed on the talks, The New York Times reported Tuesday that negotiators have focused on four central requirements that American officials believe could stop Iran’s nuclear program for more than a decade.
The proposed framework would require Iran to suspend uranium enrichment, dilute its current enriched uranium stockpile, dismantle major nuclear facilities and accept broader international inspections.
The length of an enrichment freeze remains one of the key points under discussion. The United States initially pushed for a 20-year ban. Iran proposed a 10-year halt. Officials now believe Tehran may be willing to accept a 15-year suspension, though it is not yet clear whether President Donald Trump would approve that timeline.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has repeatedly said any agreement must account for all 11 tons of enriched uranium in Iran’s possession, including about a half-ton enriched near weapons-grade levels.
Negotiators are discussing a plan for Iran’s uranium stockpile to be diluted under supervision from the International Atomic Energy Agency. U.S. officials want a direct American role in handling the material, while Iranian officials have said the United States would serve only as an observer.
Another major issue is the future of Iran’s nuclear facilities. U.S. negotiators want Iran to dismantle key sites at Natanz, Fordo and Isfahan. Iran has discussed closing two facilities but wants to keep one operating, arguing that it has a right to enrich uranium.
Inspection authority remains another unresolved matter. American negotiators are seeking “snap” inspections that would allow international inspectors to enter sites across Iran, including military facilities that historically have been off-limits.
The talks are continuing amid rising regional tensions. Trump said Tuesday that Iran shot down a U.S. Army Apache helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz and warned that the United States would respond.
Despite the latest hostilities, diplomatic contacts have not stopped. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi remained in communication during recent exchanges between Iran and Israel, helping prevent further escalation, The Times reported.
American officials said the two sides were close to agreeing on a framework before the latest violence threatened to slow the process.
The administration is also preparing for the possibility of an agreement. Witkoff and Jared Kushner recently visited Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee to review plans for handling and neutralizing Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile.
A separate issue involves about $25 billion in frozen Iranian assets. Iranian officials are seeking a significant release of funds upfront, while U.S. negotiators want the money released gradually as Iran meets its obligations under any final agreement.
White House officials remain hopeful that the recent fighting will not permanently derail negotiations. Detailed talks could begin in Switzerland later this month, according to the report.
Any final agreement would still need approval from Iranian leaders. It could also face opposition from hard-line elements inside the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which some U.S. officials believe remain committed to preserving Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
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