NuclearDeal – Trump Signals Conditional Flexibility on Iran Program
NuclearDeal – Tensions between Washington and Tehran have entered a decisive phase, with fresh indications that US President Donald Trump may consider a limited agreement allowing Iran to continue uranium enrichment under strict conditions. According to a report published by Axios, any such arrangement would require Iran to ensure there is no viable route to developing a nuclear weapon.
The report suggests that the White House is weighing both diplomatic and military options as talks over Iran’s nuclear program struggle to gain momentum.
High Stakes for a Potential Agreement
Officials familiar with the discussions say the threshold for an acceptable proposal from Tehran is exceptionally high. The Trump administration is said to be seeking concrete guarantees that Iran would permanently abandon any ambition to build a nuclear warhead.
One senior US official told Axios that the president would be willing to endorse an agreement if it is substantive and politically defensible at home. However, the official warned that time for diplomacy may be limited if Iran fails to present a credible offer.
Behind the scenes, US defense planners are reportedly preparing contingency strategies should negotiations collapse. Among the options discussed, sources claim, are targeted actions against Iran’s senior leadership, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and his son Mojtaba, who is widely viewed as a potential successor. While such measures remain hypothetical, they reflect the seriousness of current deliberations.
Growing Military Presence in the Region
The diplomatic impasse comes as the United States expands its military footprint in the Middle East. Regional observers note that the scale of deployment is among the largest since the Iraq conflict in 2003.
Gulf states and Israel are closely monitoring developments. Israeli officials reportedly believe that negotiations between Washington and Tehran have reached a standstill. Preparations for possible coordinated military action are said to be under review, though no formal decision has been announced.
Earlier media reports indicated that US forces were prepared for potential strikes over a recent weekend, but President Trump has yet to authorize any operation. Advisers describe the president as keeping all options open, underscoring the fluid nature of the situation.
Talks Stalled on Core Disputes
Recent rounds of discussions have faltered over key disagreements, including uranium enrichment levels, missile capabilities, and sanctions relief. Despite these obstacles, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has maintained that dialogue remains constructive.
Araghchi recently stated that negotiators had agreed on certain guiding principles, though the White House signaled that significant differences persist. Tehran is expected to present a formal written proposal within days, outlining its position and possible concessions.
According to Araghchi, Iran has not been asked to commit to zero enrichment during recent talks. He also dismissed reports suggesting Tehran had offered to suspend enrichment activities temporarily. Instead, he emphasized that the focus of discussions is ensuring that Iran’s nuclear activities remain exclusively peaceful.
Role of International Oversight
The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi, is reportedly engaged in the negotiation process. Technical safeguards are central to the discussions, including enhanced monitoring and verification measures designed to prevent any diversion of nuclear material for military purposes.
Such measures could involve expanded access for international inspectors and potential adjustments to Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium. Analysts say these steps would be critical to building confidence among skeptical policymakers in Washington and allied capitals.
US officials have stressed that any proposal from Tehran must provide detailed and verifiable commitments. The administration’s position, according to sources cited by Axios, is that the next move rests with Iran.
Uncertain Path Ahead
As diplomatic efforts continue, both sides face mounting pressure. A negotiated settlement could ease regional tensions and reduce the risk of armed conflict. Failure, however, may deepen instability in an already volatile region.
With military preparations advancing and negotiations delicately poised, the coming days are expected to be decisive for the future of US-Iran relations and the broader Middle East security landscape.