U.S. and Iran nearing nuclear accord as Trump signals potential weekend summit
U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that the United States is "very close to concluding an agreement" with Iran. Speaking hours later, the President added that the ongoing conflict "should end soon," according to reports from TV Rain citing Reuters.
Trump indicated that the next high-level meeting between U.S. and Iranian officials could take place as early as this weekend. While he did not rule out extending the current two-week truce, he suggested such a move might be unnecessary as Tehran is eager to reach a final deal.
Back-channel diplomacy and mediation
Sources in Pakistan involved in mediating the talks reported significant progress in "back-channel diplomacy." These intermediaries suggest that the upcoming session in Islamabad could culminate in the formal signing of an accord.
Current negotiations center on the duration of Iran's nuclear freeze. Reuters reports that Washington has proposed a 20-year suspension of all nuclear activities, while Tehran is reportedly holding firm on a maximum limit of five years.
The fate of enriched uranium
According to President Trump, Iran has agreed to hand over its stockpiles of highly enriched uranium to the United States. This material is currently stored in deep underground facilities, which the IAEA confirmed remained secure following U.S. military actions in June.
Tehran has yet to officially confirm the President's statements regarding the uranium transfer. The potential deal represents the most significant diplomatic shift since the escalation of hostilities earlier this summer.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
