In the wake of a significant UN report, US officials send a comprehensive nuclear deal proposal to Iran, highlighting the urgency of the matter.
**US Proposes New Nuclear Agreement to Iran Amid Rising Tensions**
**US Proposes New Nuclear Agreement to Iran Amid Rising Tensions**
The White House reveals a fresh proposal aimed at curbing Iran's nuclear ambitions as tensions escalate over uranium enrichment activities.
The United States has officially submitted a proposal to Iran regarding a nuclear agreement, as confirmed by the White House on Saturday. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi received details of this proposal from the Omani foreign minister, Badr Albusaidi, during a brief visit to Tehran. This development comes right after a recent report from the UN nuclear watchdog, which indicated a concerning increase in Iran's enriched uranium production, a substance pivotal for nuclear weapon creation.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that accepting the deal would be in Iran's "best interest," emphasizing that President Trump firmly believes Iran must never obtain nuclear arms. The US envoy, Steve Witkoff, has conveyed a "detailed and acceptable" proposition to be examined by the Iranian leadership. In response, Araghchi noted that the proposal would be evaluated appropriately while considering the rights and national interests of Iran's people.
Although details of the proposed agreement remain obscured, the urgency is underscored by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) report, which disclosed that Iran has surpassed 400kg of uranium enriched to 60% purity, dangerously near the 90% threshold required for weapons-grade uranium. This level is significantly higher than what is deemed necessary for peaceful nuclear activities and could theoretically yield approximately ten nuclear weapons if further processed.
The US has consistently aimed to restrict Iran's nuclear development capabilities. Negotiations mediated by Oman have been ongoing since April, with both nations exhibiting cautious optimism despite existing discrepancies, especially regarding Iran's future uranium enrichment activities under any prospective deal.
The IAEA's findings reveal that Iran's efforts in enriching uranium have not waned, producing material equivalent to one nuclear weapon per month over the last three months. US intelligence assesses that Iran could potentially create weapons-grade uranium in less than two weeks, enabling the construction of a nuclear bomb in just a few months if they chose to do so.
Iran has steadfastly denied any intent to develop nuclear weapons; however, the IAEA has stated it cannot confirm this assertion due to Iran's reluctance to allow in senior inspectors and failure to address critical inquiries concerning its nuclear history.
The renewed discussions stem from Trump's decision to withdraw the US from the original nuclear deal with Iran and six global powers—the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)—in 2018. Signed in 2015, the JCPOA sought to restrict and monitor Iran's nuclear activities in exchange for alleviating sanctions imposed due to suspicions about Tehran's nuclear weapon ambitions. Trump deemed the agreement inadequate and subsequently reinstated sanctions as part of a "maximum pressure" strategy, compelling Iran toward renegotiation.
Following Trump's exit, Iran has increasingly violated the JCPOA's restrictions, making it more challenging to prevent nuclear weapon development. The situation remains tense, with Trump previously threatening military action against Iran's nuclear sites should diplomatic efforts falter. As discussions progress, the international community watches closely for any signs of resolution amidst the precarious situation.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that accepting the deal would be in Iran's "best interest," emphasizing that President Trump firmly believes Iran must never obtain nuclear arms. The US envoy, Steve Witkoff, has conveyed a "detailed and acceptable" proposition to be examined by the Iranian leadership. In response, Araghchi noted that the proposal would be evaluated appropriately while considering the rights and national interests of Iran's people.
Although details of the proposed agreement remain obscured, the urgency is underscored by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) report, which disclosed that Iran has surpassed 400kg of uranium enriched to 60% purity, dangerously near the 90% threshold required for weapons-grade uranium. This level is significantly higher than what is deemed necessary for peaceful nuclear activities and could theoretically yield approximately ten nuclear weapons if further processed.
The US has consistently aimed to restrict Iran's nuclear development capabilities. Negotiations mediated by Oman have been ongoing since April, with both nations exhibiting cautious optimism despite existing discrepancies, especially regarding Iran's future uranium enrichment activities under any prospective deal.
The IAEA's findings reveal that Iran's efforts in enriching uranium have not waned, producing material equivalent to one nuclear weapon per month over the last three months. US intelligence assesses that Iran could potentially create weapons-grade uranium in less than two weeks, enabling the construction of a nuclear bomb in just a few months if they chose to do so.
Iran has steadfastly denied any intent to develop nuclear weapons; however, the IAEA has stated it cannot confirm this assertion due to Iran's reluctance to allow in senior inspectors and failure to address critical inquiries concerning its nuclear history.
The renewed discussions stem from Trump's decision to withdraw the US from the original nuclear deal with Iran and six global powers—the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)—in 2018. Signed in 2015, the JCPOA sought to restrict and monitor Iran's nuclear activities in exchange for alleviating sanctions imposed due to suspicions about Tehran's nuclear weapon ambitions. Trump deemed the agreement inadequate and subsequently reinstated sanctions as part of a "maximum pressure" strategy, compelling Iran toward renegotiation.
Following Trump's exit, Iran has increasingly violated the JCPOA's restrictions, making it more challenging to prevent nuclear weapon development. The situation remains tense, with Trump previously threatening military action against Iran's nuclear sites should diplomatic efforts falter. As discussions progress, the international community watches closely for any signs of resolution amidst the precarious situation.
