Donald Trump stated a potential agreement with Iran could conclude a conflict within days, while Iranian officials cautiously welcome the prospect of a deal.
Iran Seeks Meeting, Potential Deal
Iranian officials have expressed a desire to meet and reach an agreement. Trump indicated a meeting is likely to occur over the weekend, potentially resolving the situation within one or two days.
However, numerous U.S. officials and those familiar with the negotiations suggest that while significant progress has been made, key differences remain 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
Reportedly, 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 “Trump whisperers” while others have become more critical of Washington. Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni is cited as an example of an unexpected critic.
“Preliminary Agreement” and Hope for De-escalation
Iran has described the situation as a “preliminary agreement” and hopes, with the mediation of Pakistan, to achieve a preliminary agreement in the coming days to extend the ceasefire. This would “create space for further talks on lifting sanctions against Iran and providing compensation for war damage.”
Uranium and Nuclear Program Details
An official stated that in exchange, Iran would demonstrate the peaceful nature of its nuclear program. They dismissed other narratives regarding the ongoing talks as misrepresentations. However, an Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson asserted that “enriched Iranian uranium will not be transferred anywhere.”
Trump claimed the U.S. and Iran would extract the enriched 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 located deep underground, buried under rubble following past bombardments.
Shipping Lanes and Continued Blockade
Iran’s Foreign Minister announced that all commercial vessels can pass through the Strait of Hormuz until the end of the ceasefire with the U.S. and Israel. Trump, however, stated that the American blockade of Iranian ports remains in effect.
“The naval blockade will fully apply only to Iran, until our deal with Iran is 100 percent complete,” Trump stated.