A new U.S. nuclear proposal presented to Iran allows limited uranium enrichment for civilian use, despite former President Donald Trump’s public insistence that any agreement must prohibit all enrichment.
According to Axios and confirmed by U.S. officials, the proposal was delivered via Oman’s foreign minister and would require Iran to halt high-level enrichment, dismantle advanced infrastructure, and shutter underground nuclear sites for a set period. However, it would allow Iran to continue enriching uranium up to 3% — enough for nuclear energy but far below weapons-grade levels — at above-ground facilities.
The plan revives key elements of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, which Trump scrapped in 2017. Iran responded by enriching uranium to near-weapons-grade levels, prompting fears it could produce a bomb within weeks.
Trump and lead U.S. negotiator Steve Witkoff have sent mixed signals. Witkoff has backed Israel’s demand for a total ban on enrichment, yet the White House has not denied the current deal’s more flexible terms. Hours after news of the proposal broke, Trump posted, “WE WILL NOT ALLOW ANY ENRICHMENT OF URANIUM!”
Iranian officials have already rejected the offer, claiming it fails to meet their national interests.
The deal would ease sanctions only after Iran demonstrates compliance, monitored by the International Atomic Energy Agency. It also proposes a regional uranium enrichment consortium — an idea long floated but previously abandoned over mutual distrust.
Critics of the plan question whether Trump allies will accept a deal similar to the one they once condemned. Meanwhile, Israeli leaders warn they may act militarily if diplomacy fails, as concerns grow over Iran’s enrichment and missile programs.
