Iran has told the United States it is willing to limit its uranium enrichment programme—but only if it receives clear assurances that former U.S. President Donald Trump will not exit any future nuclear agreement, an Iranian official revealed on Friday.
This demand came during the latest round of indirect nuclear talks held in Oman, which both Washington and Tehran described as positive. A second round is scheduled for Saturday in Rome.
The talks aim to revive some form of nuclear understanding after Trump withdrew from the landmark 2015 nuclear deal in 2018, reimposing heavy sanctions and launching a “maximum pressure” campaign against Iran.
**No Trust Without Guarantees
A senior Iranian source, speaking anonymously, said Iran is wary of being let down again. The official explained that Iran is ready to accept some limits but will not dismantle its uranium enrichment centrifuges, reduce its uranium stockpile below pre-2015 levels, or curb its missile program. All these are considered “red lines” set by Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
“Iran won’t negotiate away its national security tools,” the official stated. “What we seek is a serious approach from Washington, not empty promises.”
With Trump running for office again in 2024 and known for his hardline stance on Iran, Tehran wants guarantees that a future administration, possibly led by Trump again, won’t walk away from any new agreement.
In the 2015 deal, Iran agreed to strict limits on its nuclear programme in exchange for relief from international sanctions. After Trump’s withdrawal, Iran steadily resumed its nuclear activities, insisting its efforts are for peaceful purposes.
According to the source, the U.S. has shown some understanding during indirect discussions in Oman, suggesting it may not demand a full stop to Iran’s nuclear programme. Tehran considers this a potential area for compromise.
Iran is also willing to cooperate with the U.N. nuclear watchdog to confirm that its activities are peaceful. In return, it demands the lifting of sanctions on its oil and financial sectors.
While both nations express interest in diplomacy, the road to a revived deal remains difficult. The U.S. negotiator Steve Witkoff reiterated via social media that Iran must “stop and eliminate its nuclear enrichment” for any agreement to move forward.
Still, Tehran believes a deal is possible—if the U.S. shows “seriousness of intent and avoids unrealistic demands.”
