Iran offers US special version of nuclear deal - Axios

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, during negotiations in Rome on Saturday, April 19, informed US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff that reaching a final nuclear agreement within the 60-day timeframe proposed by President Trump might be unrealistic.

Sources told Axios that Araghchi instead suggested considering the possibility of an interim agreement. However, Iran's mission to the UN denied this information.

Witkoff responded by stating that the US is currently not ready for an interim agreement and remains focused on reaching a comprehensive deal within the established timeframe. However, both sides did not rule out returning to the idea of an interim agreement if necessary.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio noted that a final agreement is still a long way off, but President Trump is committed to avoiding a military scenario, such as the US. strikes on nuclear facilities or supporting similar actions by Israel.

Rubio added that the US is willing to accept a civilian nuclear program in Iran, provided Tehran agrees to halt uranium enrichment on its territory.

He also emphasized that if a military scenario were to occur, the operation would be significantly more complex than it was 5–10 years ago, as Iran’s nuclear and military programs have advanced considerably.

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi, who recently visited Tehran, stated that Iran is interested in reaching a deal. A technical team from the Agency will soon visit the country to discuss the technical aspects of monitoring.

Iran's nuclear program

The US and Iran have had tense relations for decades.

Specifically, Washington demands that Tehran halt its production of highly enriched uranium, which is used in nuclear warheads. However, Iran consistently asserts its right to pursue its program and to develop nuclear weapons.

In March, Donald Trump offered Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to renew negotiations on a new nuclear deal. Initially, the Iranian leader rejected the proposal, but later agreed to enter talks with the US under pressure.

Last Saturday, April 19, in Rome, Araghchi and Witkoff held both indirect and direct negotiations regarding the new nuclear agreement. The talks were mediated by Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi. According to officials, the dialogue remains constructive.

The next round of technical negotiations is set to take place on Saturday, April 26, in Oman. It will be led by US State Department Director of Policy Planning Michael Anton. A follow-up meeting between Witkoff and Araghchi after the technical round is also not ruled out.

Read more about the risk of a military confrontation between the US and Iran in our in-depth report.