Latest developments on Iran, US nuclear issue

As of May 16, 2025, the United States and Iran are reportedly nearing a new nuclear agreement, though significant challenges remain. 

US President Donald Trump announced during his Persian Gulf tour that the U.S. and Iran have "sort of" agreed on the terms of a nuclear deal. He emphasized a preference for diplomacy over military action, stating, "We're not going to be making any nuclear dust in Iran." 

The U.S. has presented Iran with a proposal outlining parameters for a civilian nuclear program and requirements for monitoring and verification. Iran has expressed willingness to reduce its stockpile of highly enriched uranium and permit international inspections, in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions.  

Key Points of the Proposed Deal: 

• - Uranium Enrichment: Iran may agree to halt uranium enrichment for up to three years to build international trust, with potential resumption at a 3.75% purity level thereafter, aligning with the 2015 agreement.  

• - Inspections and Oversight: Iran is open to allowing international inspections to verify compliance with the agreement. 

• - Sanctions Relief: In return, Iran seeks the lifting of economic sanctions that have significantly impacted its economy. 

Remaining Challenges: 

Despite progress, several issues remain unresolved: 

• - Right to Enrich Uranium: Iran insists on its right to enrich uranium for civilian purposes under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), a point of contention with the U.S.  

• - Guarantees Against Future Withdrawal: Iran seeks assurances that the U.S. will not unilaterally withdraw from the agreement in the future, as occurred in 2018. 

• - Influence of Regional Actors: Iran has indicated that undue influence from countries like Israel could hinder the negotiation process. 

Regional and Global Reactions:

The potential for a new agreement has led to a decrease in oil prices, reflecting market optimism about eased tensions. However, mutual distrust persists, and no timeline has been set for further talks. 

The U.S. State Department described the negotiations as "constructive," emphasizing President Trump's desire for a diplomatic resolution.