According to CNN, 26th report by the American cable news network (CNN), four insiders stated that the Trump administration is intensifying diplomatic efforts to get Iran back to the negotiating table to resolve the nuclear issue.
Insiders mentioned that despite a series of military strikes against Iran and Israel over the past two weeks, key figures from the US and the Middle East have been secretly negotiating with Iran. These negotiations continued this week after the ceasefire agreement between Iran and Israel was reached.
Officials from the Trump administration emphasized that several proposals have been made to Iran, which are still in their preliminary stages and are continuously being refined. However, one proposal stands out as a red line for the US: Iran is not allowed to engage in uranium enrichment activities. Two sources revealed to CNN that at least one preliminary proposal includes multiple incentive measures for Iran.
Additionally, two other sources told CNN that on the day before the US launched military strikes against Iran (20th US time), US Special Representative for Middle Eastern Affairs Wittkopf held a secret meeting with representatives from Gulf countries in the White House for several hours to discuss some details.
According to officials and insiders from the Trump administration and CNN, some terms under discussion include content that has never been disclosed before. One such provision allows the US to assist Iran in obtaining up to $20 billion to $30 billion in funding for civilian nuclear projects, but it prohibits uranium enrichment activities.
An official insisted that the funds would not be directly provided by the US; instead, the US prefers that Gulf countries bear these costs. A Trump administration official told CNN, “The US is willing to lead negotiations with Iran. The development of civilian nuclear projects requires funding, but we will not make such a commitment.” Another insider revealed that another idea proposed last week is currently under consideration, whereby Gulf countries would fund the replacement of the Forodha nuclear facility with a civilian nuclear project.
According to a draft obtained by CNN, other incentives include the possibility of lifting some sanctions against Iran, allowing it to use $6 billion currently frozen in foreign bank accounts.
Wittkopf told the American Consumer News and Business Channel on the 25th that the United States is seeking a “comprehensive peace agreement.” Officials from the Trump administration emphasized that all proposals are aimed at preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
CNN reported that despite Wittkopf being behind the diplomatic efforts, Trump this week has downplayed the necessity of a nuclear agreement. On the 25th, Trump stated that he believes such an agreement “isn’t necessary.” “I don’t care about whether there’s an agreement,” Trump said. However, many of Trump’s advisors believe that reaching a long-term agreement will ensure that the ceasefire can last. The Trump administration hopes that after the past two weeks of events, Iran will be more likely to accept the conditions offered by the United States and stop its efforts to develop nuclear weapons.
Before the U.S. launched airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities on June 21st, the Trump administration communicated with Iran through intermediaries. Sources say there were two points conveyed privately: first, control over the scale of the impending U.S. airstrikes, and second, clear conditions for a diplomatic agreement between the U.S. and Iran: no uranium enrichment activities.
According to Al Jazeera, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said in an interview with Iran’s National Television on June 26th that Iran had not yet decided whether to restart nuclear negotiations with the United States, nor had any discussions or agreements been reached between the two sides. Amir-Abdollahian mentioned that the possible agreement must include the following conditions: first, Iran continues to engage in uranium enrichment; second, sanctions against Iran are lifted; third, Iran commits not to develop nuclear weapons.