President Donald Trump stated that upcoming US-Iran negotiations this week could clarify whether a nuclear agreement is viable to avert military action, as Iran prepares a counter-proposal regarding a potential accord.
Mr. Trump communicated by phone with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose office reported that the US president conveyed he had made a “reasonable offer” to Iran.
Mr. Netanyahu has threatened to target Iran’s nuclear sites, viewing the cleric-led government as Israel’s existential threat, but Mr. Trump has indicated he has restrained him from taking such actions.
“We’re working towards a deal to avoid destruction and loss of life,” Mr. Trump told reporters after what he characterized as a constructive conversation with Mr. Netanyahu.
Mr. Trump noted that the latest discussions with Iran were anticipated on Thursday, although a source familiar with the preparations suggested it was more likely to occur on Friday or Saturday.
Read more: Iran-US nuclear talks end with next round to be announced
A significant point of contention remains Iran’s insistence on the right to enrich uranium at low levels for civilian purposes—permitted under a 2015 agreement negotiated by former US President Barack Obama, which Mr. Trump dismantled during his first term.
“They want enrichment. They can’t have enrichment,” Mr. Trump stated.
“As of now, they’re not there. I regret to say that because the alternative is quite dire,” he added.
“But they have not reached that point. They have shared their views on the deal, and I informed them it is simply unacceptable,” President Trump remarked.
‘Reasonable, logical, and balanced’
The last round of talks between Iran and the United States occurred on May 31, after which Iran stated it had received “elements” of a US proposal.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi later remarked that the text included “ambiguities.”
Foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei criticized the US proposal for being “lacking elements” that reflected earlier negotiations facilitated by Oman, without disclosing further specifics.
“We will be presenting our proposed plan to the other side through Oman once it is finalized,” Mr. Baqaei stated in a press briefing.
“It is a proposal that is reasonable, logical, and balanced, and we strongly advise the American side to appreciate this opportunity,” he added.
Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi told state news agency IRNA that Iran’s response “is a framework for agreement.”
“If we can reach a mutual understanding on this framework, comprehensive negotiations on its details will follow,” he added.
Iran’s parliament speaker has stated that the US proposal did not address the lifting of sanctions—a critical demand for Iran, which has been suffering from their impact for years.
Israel has taken direct action against Iran, disrupting its air defenses, since the deadly attacks by Hamas on October 7, 2023, which also triggered its offensive in Gaza.
IAEA chief Rafael Grossi spoke following a Board of Governors meeting held in Vienna.
Iran’s top security body cautioned that it possesses intelligence on Israeli nuclear facilities and could execute counterattacks should Israel launch strikes.
IAEA tension
Iran is currently enriching uranium to 60%, significantly exceeding the 3.67% threshold established in the 2015 agreement and just shy of the 90% required for a nuclear weapon.
Western nations, including the United States, have long accused Iran of pursuing nuclear weapons, while Iran maintains that its nuclear program is intended for peaceful purposes.
The United Nations nuclear watchdog initiated a Board of Governors meeting in Vienna that will continue until Friday to discuss Iran’s nuclear activities among other issues.
“I urgently call upon Iran to cooperate fully and effectively with the International Atomic Energy Agency,” said IAEA chief Rafael Grossi during his opening remarks.
“Until Iran assists the agency in addressing the outstanding safeguards issues, the agency will be unable to assure that Iran’s nuclear program is exclusively peaceful,” he added.
Iran has warned European powers of potential counter-measures to lessen cooperation with the IAEA if they support a draft resolution accusing Iran of non-compliance.
