U.S. to Offer Iran Nuclear Accord
Iran-U.S. Nuclear Talks: Washington Presents Tehran With Atomic Deal Proposal
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has reported that Iran has amassed nearly 409 kilograms of uranium with a 60% purity level, raising concerns about its potential use for nuclear weapons. The U.S. is now pushing for an agreement with Iran to address the growing concern.
U.S. Special Envoy Steve Biegun has presented a detailed and reportedly acceptable proposal for an agreement to Iranian leadership, according to media reports. President Donald Trump’s spokesperson, Karoline Leavitt, confirmed the proposal to US news site Axios and other media outlets. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghtschi told X that his counterpart in Oman had presented him with "elements of a US deal." Iran will respond "appropriately" and in line with its national interests, Araghtschi wrote.
The Vienna-based IAEA stated in a report that Iran's production of near-weapons-grade uranium had increased by nearly 50% in a short period, leaving around 409 kilograms of uranium with a 60% purity level. Approximately 42 kilograms would be sufficient for a nuclear weapon if this uranium were further enriched to 90%, according to diplomatic sources.
Iran has dismissed the report as politically motivated. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called on the international community to act swiftly, citing concerns that Iran's leadership may aim to build an atomic bomb posing an existential threat to Israel. Some speculate that Israel might be preparing a strike on Iranian nuclear facilities. Iran's Foreign Ministry accuses Israel of sending falsified documents to the IAEA, which served as the basis for the report.
In the midst of these negotiations, the U.S. is suggesting the establishment of a regional consortium to enrich uranium for civilian purposes under IAEA and U.S. monitoring. Another proposal involves recognizing Iran's right to enrich uranium, provided that Iran fully suspends its current enrichment activities. As of June 2025, Iran is reportedly preparing to reject the U.S. proposal, describing it as a "non-starter."
[1] Regional Consortium Proposal[2] Current status of Iran's uranium enrichment program[3] Current negotiation status and recent developments
- The politics surrounding Iran's nuclear program have prompted the science community to focus on the potential risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, particularly in the context of a directive on the protection of workers from such risks due to the increased uranium enrichment activities.
- In the general news, there have been reports of medical-conditions that could be associated with long-term exposure to ionizing radiation, which the Commission has been asked to address in their proposal for a directive on worker protection.
