Iranian Official Indicates Willingness to Abandon Nuclear Weapons Program for Trump Agreement

Iran Open to New Nuclear Deal

A senior official from Iran mentioned on Wednesday that Tehran is willing to negotiate, highlighting a potential new nuclear deal with the US that could involve the enrichment of arms-grade uranium.

Ali Shamhani, a key advisor to Iran’s leadership, indicated that Iran would commit to not developing nuclear weapons, eliminating weapons-grade uranium stocks, permitting international oversight, and ensuring US engagement in civilian nuclear applications, but only if all economic sanctions are lifted. This statement signals Iran’s readiness to explore new agreements with the United States.

Currently, Iran is thought to have the capability to develop nuclear weapons within just three weeks, as reported in February.

“If we align with what the Americans propose, there’s certainly the potential for a better relationship,” Shamkhani stated, expressing optimism about future prospects.

US Special Envoy Steve Witkov is set to meet with Iranian officials in Oman on Sunday, coinciding with President Donald Trump’s visit to the Middle East.

Back in March, the Trump administration had warned of possible military action against Iranian nuclear facilities unless an agreement was reached. There were divisions within the administration regarding the best approach to Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

Trump emphasized again during his Qatar visit that Iran “cannot possess nuclear weapons,” indicating that a deal was quite close. He urged Iran to reach an agreement swiftly and warned of severe economic repercussions if they did not cease destabilizing actions in the region.

Mike Waltz, who was a national security adviser and a hawkish figure during the Trump administration, took on the role of UN ambassador earlier this month, while Marco Rubio was appointed Secretary of State to follow Waltz’s earlier responsibilities.

The nuclear agreement brokered during the Obama administration, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), permitted some enrichment under strict international oversight. Many critics, especially conservatives, believed at the time that the deal was too lenient on Iran, pointing out loopholes in surveillance and provisions that would eventually limit the deal’s duration.

Even after the Trump administration withdrew from the JCPOA, discussions have emerged noting parallels between the JCPOA and early proposals from Trump’s team regarding surveillance and enrichment levels.