Iran has offered a series of concessions regarding its nuclear program, including the potential shipment of a portion of its enriched uranium abroad and participation in a regional enrichment consortium, in an effort to avert a potential U.S. Military strike, according to a senior Iranian official speaking to Reuters.
The proposals, presented during ongoing negotiations, represent a shift in Iran’s position, analysts say, as tensions escalate with the United States and the possibility of armed conflict looms. While both sides remain sharply divided over the scope and timing of sanctions relief, the concessions signal Tehran’s desire to maintain a diplomatic path.
The Iranian official stated that Tehran would consider sending half of its highly enriched uranium to another country, diluting the remainder, and joining a regional enrichment consortium – a concept previously discussed in past diplomatic efforts. This would be contingent upon U.S. Recognition of Iran’s right to “peaceful nuclear enrichment” and a comprehensive lifting of economic sanctions.
Beyond nuclear concessions, Iran has too offered opportunities for U.S. Companies to participate as contractors in its oil and gas industries, potentially opening up significant economic benefits for American firms. “Within the economic package under negotiation, the United States has also been offered opportunities for serious investment and tangible economic interests in Iran’s oil industry,” the official said.
The White House has not yet issued a response to these proposals. The core disagreement centers on Washington’s insistence that enrichment activities within Iran pose a proliferation risk, a claim Iran vehemently denies, asserting its right to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes. The United States has maintained a policy of sanctions against Iran since 1979, following the seizure of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, with restrictions evolving over time, as administered by the Department of State and the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).
Negotiations resumed earlier this month amid a heightened U.S. Military presence in the Middle East. Iran has warned that it would retaliate against U.S. Bases in the region if attacked. The Iranian official acknowledged the significant gap between the two sides but expressed optimism that an interim agreement remains possible. “The last round of talks showed that U.S. Ideas regarding the scope and mechanism of sanctions relief differ from Iran’s demands. Both sides demand to reach a logical timetable for lifting sanctions,” the official said, adding that any roadmap must be “reasonable and based on mutual interests.”
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi is scheduled to meet with U.S. President’s special envoy Steve Witkoff in Geneva on Thursday, with Araqchi expressing confidence in the potential for a diplomatic resolution. He anticipates presenting a draft counterproposal in the coming days, while President Trump has indicated he is considering limited military strikes.
Recent reports suggest a rapid deterioration in the prospects for a diplomatic settlement, with Tehran and Washington sliding towards military conflict. Witkoff, speaking on Fox News, questioned why Iran has not yet agreed to curb its nuclear program given the pressure it faces. “Why, under this pressure, with the amount of sea power and naval power over there, why haven’t they come to us and said, ‘We profess we don’t want a weapon, so here’s what we’re prepared to do’? And yet it’s sort of hard to get them to that place,” he said.
Behnam Ben Taleblu, senior director of the Iran program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, suggested that Iran’s willingness to negotiate is a tactic to buy time, potentially to strengthen its nuclear and military infrastructure.
While rejecting a U.S. Demand for “zero enrichment,” Iran has signaled a willingness to compromise on its nuclear activities. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) estimates Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium at more than 440 kg, enriched to up to 60% fissile purity, nearing weapons-grade levels. Ali Larijani, a close advisor to Iran’s supreme leader, stated Iran is prepared to allow extensive IAEA monitoring to demonstrate its non-proliferation intentions. The IAEA has been seeking access to three nuclear sites reportedly struck by the U.S. In June of last year.
U.S. Demands extend beyond the nuclear program, including restrictions on Iran’s ballistic missile program and an end to its support for regional proxy groups. Iran has firmly rejected discussing its missile program, but sources indicate that the issue of regional proxies is not a “red line” for Tehran. Iranian authorities maintain that a diplomatic solution would yield economic benefits for both countries.
The Iranian official emphasized that Tehran would not relinquish control of its oil and mineral resources, stating that the U.S. Could serve as an economic partner, with American companies participating as contractors in Iran’s oil and gas fields.
