Donald Trump is closing in on a major diplomatic breakthrough with Iran, after US officials said Tehran has agreed in principle to surrender its stockpile of highly enriched uranium as part of a broader agreement aimed at ending the conflict and restoring stability in the Middle East.
The proposed agreement, described by administration sources as “largely negotiated”, would mark a significant concession from Iran after months of high pressure diplomacy led by the Trump administration. Discussions are continuing over the final details of how Iran’s uranium stockpile would be transferred or dismantled.
The deal would also reopen the Strait of Hormuz for international shipping during a 60 day ceasefire period, easing fears over disruptions to global energy markets. Under the arrangement, Iran would remove naval mines from the waterway while the United States would ease restrictions on Iranian ports and grant waivers allowing oil exports to resume.
In exchange, Iran would formally commit to abandoning any pursuit of nuclear weapons and enter negotiations over suspending uranium enrichment activities. The agreement would also involve the release of billions of dollars in frozen Iranian assets once a final nuclear settlement is completed.
President Trump said on Saturday that negotiators were close to finalising the agreement, adding that an announcement could come soon.
“Final aspects and details of the deal are currently being discussed, and will be announced shortly,” Mr Trump said. “In addition to many other elements of the agreement, the Strait of Hormuz will be opened.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio also suggested progress was accelerating, saying there was “the possibility that in the next few hours the world will get some good news”.
Iranian officials confirmed they were working on a memorandum of understanding intended to end the conflict. Esmaeil Baghaei, spokesman for Iran’s foreign ministry, said Tehran was finalising a 14 point framework covering issues considered essential by the Iranian government.
Some uncertainty remains over the final terms. Iranian state aligned media indicated Tehran had not yet formally accepted all conditions concerning its nuclear programme, while reports inside Iran suggested the country still expected to retain influence over the Strait of Hormuz.
The Trump administration has taken a hard line throughout the negotiations, insisting any final agreement must address both Iran’s uranium enrichment programme and its stockpiles of near weapons grade material. US officials reportedly warned Iran that military action against nuclear facilities remained an option if talks failed.
According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, Iran currently possesses around 440 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60 per cent purity, close to weapons grade levels. Future negotiations are expected to focus on how the material will be disposed of and the length of any enrichment suspension.
The developing agreement has also raised hopes of easing wider regional tensions, including the conflict involving Hezbollah in Lebanon. Reports indicate the draft framework includes provisions aimed at reducing hostilities there as well.
While some critics in Israel and elsewhere remain sceptical, supporters of the deal argue Mr Trump has achieved progress many believed was impossible, bringing Iran to the negotiating table on issues previous administrations struggled to address.
