ALBAWABA- A new U.S. proposal to revive nuclear talks with Iran would permit Tehran to enrich uranium at low levels and retain parts of its nuclear infrastructure, according to a report by Axios.
Two sources with direct knowledge of its contents describe the proposal, which outlines a temporary, low-level enrichment framework under strict international oversight.
While the plan forbids the construction of new enrichment sites and mandates dismantling key uranium conversion infrastructure, it also envisions a regional enrichment consortium.
It allows existing above-ground enrichment for civilian nuclear energy use, capped at 3% concentration, per International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) guidelines.
Significantly, the plan calls for Iran’s underground enrichment sites to become non-operational for a negotiated period and imposes a halt on research and development of new centrifuge technology.
The package also includes a robust monitoring and verification regime, including automatic adoption of the IAEA’s Additional Protocol. Sanctions relief would only come after Iran proves to both the U.S. and the IAEA that it is complying in good faith.
3 Israeli soldiers killed as Qassam Brigades strike forces and base in Gaza amid ongoing assaultThe offer, delivered Saturday by White House envoy Steve Witkoff, appears to contradict public assertions by senior American officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who have repeatedly stated that Washington would not tolerate any uranium enrichment by Iran or allow the survival of its nuclear program.
While the Biden-era nuclear framework had collapsed amid mutual distrust, this new proposal marks the Trump administration's first formal step toward a negotiated settlement.
However, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said on Monday that Tehran remains unconvinced, citing the absence of explicit assurances regarding lifting sanctions. He added that Iran is still reviewing the offer and pushed back on claims that the proposal is acceptable.
