Jerusalem on edge as Trump hints at breakthrough in Iran talks, which could result in deal as early as this week. Trump is determined to return from his visit to the Gulf states with a major diplomatic announcement, and Israeli officials worry that an agreement with Iran could be that prize.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi took the proposal to Tehran to consult with Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, President Masoud Pezeshkian, and other senior officials.
Trump suggested that Iran has "sort of agreed" to the terms of a potential agreement, though he provided no details on the framework or timeline.
According to NYT, Iran proposed setting up regional nuclear consortium with Arab rivals and US investment as alternative to shutting down its enrichment program.
According to the senior official, US Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff held direct and indirect discussions with Iranian representatives in Muscat. “The discussions were tough but beneficial,” Iran said, signaling cautious optimism about the progress made.
Tehran accuses Washington of stalling in nuclear negotiations as Witkoff-Aragchi talks resume in Oman.
Sunday's high-stakes event occurs just days before President Trump embarks on a strategic regional tour.
According to Fox News, the facility, code-named the “Rainbow Site” by Iranian officials, has operated for over a decade under the guise of a chemical production company called Diba Energy Siba, producing tritium, a radioactive isotope critical for enhancing nuclear weapons.
The program will be divided over a 25-year period and will establish stricter supervision while expanding the transition clauses that limit but do not completely eliminate Tehran's nuclear capability.
Trump had initially set a two-month timeline for efforts to reach an agreement. However, according to an Israeli official, this period is expected to be extended. Minister Ron Dermer said that he is "confident President Trump will not agree to a bad deal."