A senior Trump administration official said Sunday that Iran has agreed in principle to dispose of highly-enriched uranium as part of ongoing negotiations with the United States, marking a potentially significant development in efforts to ease tensions between the two countries.
While officials described the discussions as productive, the administration indicated that a formal agreement is unlikely to be signed this weekend as negotiations continue over key details.
Progress
According to the official, the U.S. believes Iran’s supreme leader has approved the general framework of a possible deal, though a finalized agreement has not yet been completed.
The official cautioned that negotiations remain complex and that it is still uncertain whether a final agreement will ultimately be reached.
Even before the recent military operation known as Operation Epic Fury, the official described Iran’s political and negotiating system as “frustratingly slow and opaque.” They said the process has become even more complicated in recent weeks.
Officials noted that any agreement would likely require several days to move through Iran’s internal approval process before becoming official.
Proposal
The agreement currently being discussed reportedly involves a two-step process.
Under the proposed framework, the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz would occur in exchange for the lifting of the U.S. blockade. After that, both sides would continue negotiations on broader nuclear issues.
The United States is seeking commitments from Iran to dispose of highly-enriched uranium and limit parts of its nuclear program.
American officials say the proposed arrangement would go further than the 2015 nuclear agreement negotiated during former President Barack Obama’s administration, which allowed Iran to continue uranium enrichment within certain limits.
Uranium
Negotiators are still discussing how Iran’s highly-enriched uranium stockpile would be removed or neutralized.
The administration official said talks are continuing with Iranian representatives who have been authorized by the supreme leader to negotiate on behalf of the government.
Highly-enriched uranium is considered a key concern in international nuclear diplomacy because it can potentially be used in the development of nuclear weapons if enriched to weapons-grade levels.
The United States and its allies have long argued that reducing Iran’s stockpile is critical to limiting future nuclear risks in the region.
Sanctions
The official said no decisions have yet been made regarding the possible unfreezing of Iranian assets or broader sanctions relief.
According to the administration, any future sanctions reductions would depend on whether Iran follows through on commitments tied to U.S. national security objectives.
Officials indicated that relief measures would likely be linked directly to verified actions involving nuclear material and other negotiated requirements.
Negotiations
The Trump administration says several high-level figures have been involved in the discussions, including Vice President JD Vance, Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner, President Trump’s son-in-law.
The administration is also reportedly working with Middle Eastern allies as part of the broader diplomatic effort.
President Trump said Saturday that a peace agreement was “largely negotiated.” However, he later stated on social media that he had instructed U.S. representatives not to rush into a deal.
“Time is on our side,” Trump wrote.
Shift
According to the senior administration official, Iranian negotiators are now showing greater flexibility compared to earlier rounds of talks.
The official said Tehran is making “serious accommodations” on issues it had previously refused to discuss before the first six-week military campaign.
Diplomatic observers note that developments involving the Strait of Hormuz remain especially significant because the waterway is one of the world’s most important routes for global oil shipments.
Any agreement affecting maritime security and regional stability could have broader economic and geopolitical implications.
Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Main Issue | Iran nuclear negotiations |
| Key Development | Iran agrees in principle on uranium disposal |
| U.S. Position | Seeking limits on nuclear program |
| Proposed Process | Two-step agreement |
| Strait of Hormuz | Expected to reopen under framework |
| Sanctions Relief | Not finalized |
| Negotiation Status | Ongoing |
| U.S. Officials Involved | JD Vance, Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner |
Outlook
Although both sides appear to have made progress, officials say major details still need to be resolved before any final agreement can be signed.
The coming days are expected to focus on technical discussions surrounding uranium disposal, sanctions, and verification measures.
Diplomatic efforts remain ongoing as negotiators continue trying to secure a broader agreement aimed at reducing regional tensions and addressing international concerns over Iran’s nuclear activities.
FAQs
What did Iran agree to in principle?
Iran agreed to dispose of highly-enriched uranium.
Has a final deal been signed?
No, negotiations are still ongoing.
What is part of the proposed agreement?
Reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
Will sanctions on Iran be lifted?
No final sanctions decisions were made.
Who is involved in the negotiations?
Senior U.S. and Iranian representatives.
