Axios: Iran wants to offer US interim nuclear deal
Iran (Illustrative photo: Abedin Taherkenareh/EPA)
Iran is contemplating the possibility of presenting an interim nuclear agreement in discussions with the United States while negotiations for a comprehensive deal are ongoing, as reported by Axios, referencing a European diplomat and an informed source.
President Donald Trump has imposed a two-month limit for negotiations regarding a new nuclear arrangement with Iran, concurrently directing an increase in US military presence in the Middle East as an alternative should diplomatic efforts fail.
If an agreement is not achieved, Trump might authorize a military strike on Iran’s nuclear sites or endorse an Israeli assault.
Negotiators indicate that the Iranian side views the prospect of finalizing a complex and intricate nuclear agreement within two months as impractical, seeking additional time to mitigate the risk of escalation.
Iran’s delegation to the United Nations opted not to provide any comment.
The article suggests that a provisional accord between the US and Iran could entail suspending certain uranium enrichment efforts in Tehran, decreasing its stockpile of enriched uranium by 60%, and allowing UN inspectors increased access to nuclear sites.
Experts have informed the media that these measures would merely “slightly prolong” Iran’s timeline for constructing a nuclear weapon. However, they could assist in establishing credibility for future negotiations aimed at a comprehensive agreement.
The interim deal may also incorporate an extension of the “backstop” mechanism which was part of the 2015 nuclear agreement. This mechanism, which initiates UN Security Council sanctions against Iran in the event of a breach, is set to expire in October this year.
The document is also expected to address Tehran’s request for Trump to halt his “maximum pressure” campaign against Iran’s economy. It remains uncertain if the US president will agree to this condition.
- On March 19, 2025, CNN reported that Trump granted Iran two months to finalize the nuclear deal, allowing for a military resolution of the issue.
- On March 30, Iran dismissed the idea of direct negotiations with the United States concerning its nuclear ambitions. Nevertheless, on April 3, Trump expressed his belief that Iran was prepared for direct talks.
- On April 10, Trump stated that Israel would spearhead a strike on Iran if the nuclear discussions did not succeed.
