U.S. and Iran Near Nuclear Deal Despite Key Disputes

U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the United States is nearing an agreement with Iran on a nuclear deal, suggesting that Tehran has “sort of” accepted the proposed terms. Speaking during a visit to the Gulf region, Trump emphasized that the ongoing discussions aim to secure lasting peace. He noted that there are two possible paths forward—one peaceful and the other involving conflict—adding that he hopes to avoid the latter.

A source familiar with the talks from the Iranian side acknowledged that while progress has been made, key differences still need to be resolved. The prospect of a potential agreement led to a drop in oil prices by around $2 on Thursday, as investors anticipated the easing of sanctions on Iran.

Recent negotiations between U.S. and Iranian officials concluded in Oman, with more discussions planned. While Iran has publicly insisted on continuing its uranium enrichment activities, both nations have indicated a preference for diplomacy to settle their long-standing nuclear disagreement. However, significant gaps remain, particularly around what each side views as non-negotiable terms.

During these talks, the U.S. reportedly presented a proposal as part of the fourth round of discussions. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian responded critically to Trump’s remarks, accusing the U.S. of causing regional instability while speaking about human rights and peace.

In a separate interview, an Iranian official expressed a willingness to reach a deal if it meant sanctions would be lifted. The official said Iran would agree not to pursue nuclear weapons, to dismantle stockpiles of highly enriched uranium, limit enrichment to levels needed for civilian purposes, and allow international monitoring.

However, a major sticking point remains over uranium enrichment. The U.S. wants Iran to halt enrichment entirely, a demand Iranian officials have rejected, calling it a violation of their sovereign rights. Still, Iran has shown openness to lowering enrichment levels and reducing its uranium stockpile, but only under terms they consider fair and consistent with past agreements, such as the 2015 nuclear deal that the U.S. withdrew from under Trump.

Tehran reportedly prefers to decrease its uranium reserves in phases, a condition the U.S. has so far not accepted. There is also disagreement over where the enriched uranium would be transferred. Meanwhile, sanctions continue to weigh heavily on Iran’s economy, and the lifting of those measures remains one of Tehran’s main demands in the ongoing negotiations.