US Sends Nuclear Deal Proposal to Iran After IAEA Concerns
The United States has formally sent a nuclear deal proposal to Iran, signaling a renewed effort to engage Tehran in talks following intensified uranium enrichment activities. The proposal was confirmed by both the White House and Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, after multiple rounds of diplomatic discussions in Oman and Rome.
According to diplomatic sources, Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi presented elements of the US offer during his visit to Tehran. While details of the proposal remain confidential, the initiative marks a significant step amid rising tensions concerning Iran's nuclear program.
Context of the Proposal and US Stance
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized that accepting the deal is in Iran's best interest. She reinforced the position that the United States maintains a firm stance against Iran acquiring nuclear weapons capabilities. The special envoy to West Asia, Steve Witkoff, reportedly delivered a "detailed and acceptable" offer to Iranian officials.
In response, Iran's Foreign Minister stated that Tehran will soon issue a formal reply, underscoring that any response will align with Iran's national interests and rights.
IAEA Report Highlights Escalating Uranium Enrichment
The timing of the US proposal coincides with a recent report from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which revealed that Iran has enriched over 400 kilograms of uranium to 60% purity. This enrichment level is notably above civilian nuclear usage but below the 90% threshold considered weapons-grade uranium.
This development raises international concerns as uranium enriched to 60% could be further processed to yield sufficient material for approximately ten nuclear weapons. The IAEA report has prompted calls from global powers including the US, UK, France, and Germany to consider declaring Iran in violation of its nuclear non-proliferation commitments.
Iran’s Response to the IAEA Findings
Iran has rejected the IAEA report as politically driven and has labeled the accusations as unfounded. Iranian authorities affirmed their nuclear program’s peaceful nature and pledged to implement appropriate countermeasures against any punitive actions proposed during the upcoming IAEA Board of Governors meeting.
Background: US-Iran Nuclear Relations
The US aims to curb Iran’s nuclear capabilities after withdrawing from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) — the 2015 agreement between Iran and six world powers — in 2018. Since then, negotiations to revive or establish a new nuclear accord have been ongoing since April 2025.
These diplomatic efforts reflect heightened geopolitical dynamics surrounding Iran’s nuclear ambitions and international security concerns.
