US Proposal Allows Limited Uranium Enrichment in Iran Nuclear Talks

The Trump administration has proposed a new nuclear deal to Iran that would permit limited uranium enrichment on Iranian soil, specifically restricting enrichment to civilian-grade 3% purity at above-ground facilities under International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) supervision. This marks a significant concession and contradicts prior public statements from U.S. officials, including Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who emphasized zero tolerance for uranium enrichment and demanded the full dismantlement of Iran's nuclear program. Iran has maintained that its right to enrich uranium for peaceful domestic energy is a non-negotiable red line and insists on clear sanctions relief before agreeing to any deal. The proposal also requires Iran to halt research on centrifuge technology and disable underground enrichment facilities for an unspecified period, similar to provisions in the 2015 JCPOA agreement that Trump withdrew from during his earlier presidency. This approach risks backlash from U.S. allies, particularly Israel and conservative U.S. senators, who advocate for a stricter stance on Iran's nuclear ambitions. Negotiations continue with both sides seeking a path forward amid these contentious terms and demands.