Donald Trump stated a deal with Iran could be reached within days, while Iranian officials emphasize key issues remain unresolved despite progress in negotiations.
Iran Seeks Meeting, Potential Deal
Former President Trump indicated that Iranian representatives are seeking a meeting to reach an agreement, potentially occurring over the weekend. He believes a resolution could be achieved “within a day or two.”
However, numerous U.S. officials and sources familiar with the negotiations suggest that while significant progress has been made, key differences persist between the two countries. A Tehran representative confirmed to Reuters that “no agreement has been reached on the details of the nuclear issue,” and substantial negotiations are needed to overcome these differences.
Proposed Agreement Details
Reports indicate a potential agreement involves the U.S. releasing $20 billion in frozen Iranian funds in exchange for Iran surrendering its enriched uranium stockpile. The plan also includes a moratorium on Iran’s enrichment activities.
European Perspectives on Trump’s Diplomacy
An analysis highlights a shift in European approaches to dealing with Trump, with some leaders acting as “good cops” and others becoming more critical of Washington. Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni is cited as an example of an unexpected critic.
“Preliminary Agreement” and Hope for Resolution
Iran has expressed hope, with the assistance of Pakistan as a mediator, to reach a preliminary agreement in the coming days. This would involve extending a ceasefire to “create space for further talks on lifting sanctions against Iran and providing compensation for war damages.”
An Iranian official stated that in return, Iran would demonstrate the peaceful nature of its nuclear program, dismissing other narratives as misrepresentations. However, an Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson asserted that “enriched Iranian uranium will not be transferred anywhere.”
Conflicting Statements on Uranium and Nuclear Program
Trump claimed the U.S. and Iran would extract enriched Iranian uranium, which would then be sent to the United States. Bloomberg reported that Tehran agreed to suspend its nuclear program indefinitely. Experts note that enriched uranium is stored deep underground, buried under rubble following past bombardments.
Cessation of Hostilities and Continued Blockade
Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Aragczi, announced that all commercial vessels could pass through the Strait of Hormuz until the end of the ceasefire with the U.S. and Israel. Trump, however, maintained that the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports would remain in place until the deal is finalized.
Trump stated the naval blockade would fully apply to Iran “only until our deal with Iran is 100 percent complete.”