US Presents New Nuclear Deal Proposal to Iran Amid Escalating Tensions

In a significant diplomatic move, the US has delivered a proposal for a renewed nuclear agreement to Iran, as reported during a visit by an Omani official. This comes in light of concerns from the International Atomic Energy Agency regarding Tehran's enriched uranium production, complicating ongoing negotiations between both nations.

The United States has officially sent Iran a proposal for a new nuclear deal, as confirmed by the White House on Saturday. The initiative comes from Steve Witkoff, the special envoy for President Donald Trump, during heightened concerns following a report from the United Nations nuclear watchdog, which indicated that Iran has accelerated its enriched uranium production.

Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, received the proposal through Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi during a brief visit to Tehran. Leavitt emphasized that accepting the deal would be in Iran's "best interest," reiterating Trump's firm stance that Iran must not acquire nuclear weapons.

While the details of the proposed agreement remain undisclosed, it follows a report from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) indicating that Iran has amassed more than 400 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60% purity—close to the 90% threshold required for weapons-grade material. This quantity is sufficient for approximately ten nuclear weapons, raising alarms given that Iran is the only non-nuclear nation known to produce uranium at this level.

In response, Iranian media have dismissed the IAEA findings as "politically motivated," asserting that their nuclear program serves peaceful purposes. Iran has pledged to take "appropriate measures" if any action is taken at the IAEA's upcoming meeting regarding potential violations.

Negotiations, facilitated by Oman since April, have shown signs of promise but are hindered by disagreements, chiefly regarding Iran's continued uranium enrichment in any future deal. Despite ongoing talks, the IAEA has reported no slowdown in Iran's enrichment activities, leading to US estimates that Iran could produce weapons-grade material in under two weeks if it decides to pursue a nuclear weapon.

The current scenario is a consequence of Trump's earlier withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2018, a step that sought to limit Iran's nuclear ambitions in exchange for the lifting of sanctions. Since then, Iran has progressively breached compliance limits set by the JCPOA while the US has reinstated sanctions aimed at compelling a more comprehensive agreement.

Trump's administration has previously hinted at military action should diplomatic efforts to reach a nuclear deal fail, adding further pressure on negotiations between the two nations.