Iran ready to offer new concessions to Trump to avoid US strike - Reuters
Photo: Donald Trump, President of the United States (Getty Images)
Iran has indicated to the United States that it is prepared to make concessions on its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief and recognition of its right to enrich uranium, in an effort to avoid a potential US strike. Tehran is seeking to prevent escalation with Washington through renewed diplomatic flexibility, according to Reuters.
Read also: Limited strike or major operation? What we know about Trump's Iran plan
After two rounds of talks, the sides still disagree, including on the scope and sequencing of easing tough US sanctions, a senior Iranian official said.
Reuters notes that Iran is now offering new concessions following last week’s negotiations, when positions appeared far apart and tensions were edging toward possible military confrontation. Analysts view the move as an attempt by Tehran to preserve diplomacy and prevent a major US strike.
According to the official, Tehran is seriously considering a proposal under which half of its most highly enriched uranium would be sent abroad, while the remainder would be diluted. Iran is also willing to participate in a regional uranium-enrichment consortium, an idea repeatedly raised during past diplomatic discussions.
However, the official said such steps would be conditional on US recognition of Iran’s right to "peaceful uranium enrichment" within a broader agreement that would also include lifting economic sanctions.
Iran has additionally proposed allowing US companies to participate as contractors in major Iranian oil and gas projects as part of negotiations aimed at resolving the long-running dispute over Tehran’s nuclear activity. The official said the economic package discussed with Washington included opportunities for substantial investment and tangible US economic interests in Iran’s energy sector.
He added that the latest talks highlighted differences between the sides but suggested an interim agreement remains possible, with negotiations ongoing. The official said both sides must agree on a logical timeline for sanctions relief based on mutual interests.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said he expects to meet Trump envoy Steve Witkoff in Geneva on Thursday, adding there is still a "good chance" for a diplomatic outcome.
What else is known
According to Axios, the United States is prepared to hold another round of talks with Iran in Geneva on Friday if Tehran submits a detailed proposal within 48 hours, a meeting Washington reportedly sees as a potential last chance to reach a deal.
US President Donald Trump recently expressed surprise that Iran has not yet agreed to restrictions on its nuclear program despite the growing US military presence in the region, including the deployment of additional equipment and an aircraft carrier entering the Mediterranean.
Reuters has also reported that the White House is considering several pressure scenarios on Iran, ranging from limited strikes to broader strategies aimed at forcing major policy changes.
