US proposes revised Iran nuclear deal

In a striking deviation from previous positions, the Trump administration has offered Iran a new nuclear agreement that would permit domestic uranium enrichment, though under significant restrictions.

The proposal allows civilian use of uranium with intense monitoring and sanctions relief if terms are adhered to.

On Saturday, the administration presented this revised offer, suggesting that Tehran could enrich uranium domestically, but only for non-military purposes. According to the deal, Iran's enrichment levels would need to be curtailed to 3%, far below the 90% required for weapon-grade uranium.

A shift in Iran policy

This proposal marks a significant shift in U.S. policy, which had previously championed dismantling Iran's nuclear enrichment potential completely. The need for a mutually agreed-upon period of low-level enrichment and the deactivation of Iran's underground enrichment sites forms a crucial part of the deal.

The plan includes a strong verification and oversight system, making sanctions relief dependent on Iran's compliance with the agreement terms. The White House has highlighted its importance for ensuring that Iran will not develop a nuclear bomb, while not denying reports of this offer.

In 2018, President Trump decisively pulled the United States out of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), an agreement achieved during the Obama administration. Since then, Trump's administration has utilized a "maximum pressure" strategy to dissuade Iran from advancing its nuclear ambitions, including the threat of military action.

Responses and expectations

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized: "President Trump has made it clear that Iran can never obtain a nuclear bomb. Special Envoy Witkoff has sent a detailed and acceptable proposal to the Iranian regime, and it’s in their best interest to accept it.”

President Trump himself expressed criticism over Iran’s enrichment endeavors on Truth Social, asserting: “The AUTOPEN should have stopped Iran a long time ago from ‘enriching,’” followed by, “Under our potential Agreement — WE WILL NOT ALLOW ANY ENRICHMENT OF URANIUM!”

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been vocal about the progression from 3.67% enrichment to higher levels, suggesting it is just a matter of weeks before uranium can potentially reach weapons-grade concentration.

Iran's anticipated response

As Iran drafts its response to the U.S. proposal, their initial indications lean towards a dismissive stance. A senior diplomat from Tehran commented that Iran is preparing a negative response, which could be translated as a rejection of the new offer from the United States.

Steve Witkoff remarked on April 15 that any binding agreement should establish a foundation for sustained peace, tranquility, and prosperity in the Middle East. This means that Iran must cease its nuclear enrichment and weaponization agenda.

The atmosphere surrounding these negotiations is tense, with both sides holding firmly to their perspectives. The proposal, while groundbreaking, must overcome skepticism and historical challenges that have long defined U.S.-Iran relations.

Potential shifts in Middle East diplomacy

Public statements made previously by U.S. officials did not line up with this new proposal, which caught many by surprise. Trump's administration had seemingly angled toward removing Iran’s enrichment abilities entirely.

As both nations navigate these sensitive negotiations, stakes in regional diplomacy and nuclear non-proliferation continue to be high. The outcome of these talks could redefine the security landscape across the Middle East, influencing allies and adversaries alike.

With these developments, attention across the globe is fixed on Iran and the United States. The response from Iran will be a key factor in determining the success of this diplomatic overture by the Trump administration.