In a dramatic development from the Gulf, U.S. President Donald Trump revealed that the United States is on the verge of sealing a new nuclear agreement with Iran, potentially ending years of tension and opening the door for long-term peace in the Middle East.
Speaking during a diplomatic tour of the region, Trump told reporters that “very serious negotiations” are underway and that Iran has “sort of” agreed to the terms of a new deal. “We’re getting close to maybe doing a deal without having to resort to force,” he said. “There’s a peaceful path, and then there’s a violent path—but I don’t want the second one.”
Oil markets responded quickly, with prices dropping by nearly $2 amid expectations that a deal could ease sanctions and allow Iranian oil back into global circulation.
Despite Trump’s optimism, insiders from both sides remain cautious. A senior Iranian source familiar with the talks confirmed that significant gaps remain. Negotiators met in Oman last Sunday, and while progress was made, Tehran continues to insist on its right to enrich uranium.
The Trump administration reportedly presented Iran with a fresh proposal during the fourth round of talks, as confirmed by U.S. officials and sources close to the negotiations. However, key sticking points persist, especially around uranium enrichment levels and sanctions relief.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian pushed back strongly against Trump’s recent comments labeling Iran as the “most destructive force” in the region. “Trump believes he can sanction and threaten us, then speak of human rights,” Pezeshkian said. “All instability in the region is caused by them.”
However, not all voices from Tehran were defiant. In an interview with NBC News, Ali Shamkhani—an adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader—signaled willingness to reach a deal. According to Shamkhani, Iran could agree to permanently forgo nuclear weapons, reduce its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, limit enrichment to civilian-use levels, and allow international inspections.
Still, there are red lines. Iranian officials insist they will not give up uranium enrichment on Iranian soil—a point of national pride and scientific sovereignty. While they’ve offered to scale back enrichment and reduce stockpiles gradually, they are unwilling to accept levels below what was agreed in the 2015 nuclear deal, which Trump pulled out of in 2018.
A major roadblock remains the U.S.’s reluctance to lift key sanctions. Tehran also insists any uranium reduction be carried out in phases, a position Washington reportedly disagrees with.
While the path to peace is still uncertain, the renewed dialogue signals a potential turning point. If successful, this deal could reshape geopolitics in the region—and mark a rare diplomatic win for both sides.
