After several rounds of discussion, the United States has officially sent a nuclear deal proposal to Iran. Both the White House and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed this development. The Omani Foreign Minister, Badr Albusaidi, delivered the proposal during his short visit to Tehran.

Proposal Follows Nuclear Activity Report

Interestingly, this confirmation came soon after the UN nuclear watchdog released a report on Iran’s growing nuclear activity. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) revealed that Iran had increased its production of enriched uranium, a material essential for making nuclear weapons.

US Urges Iran to Accept the Deal

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Saturday that it would be in Iran’s “best interest to accept” the deal. She emphasized, “President Trump has made it clear that Iran can never obtain a nuclear bomb.”

Leavitt also mentioned that US President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, sent a “detailed and acceptable” proposal to Iran. In response, Araghchi said Iran would reply soon. He stated on X, “The US proposal will be appropriately responded to in line with the principles, national interests and rights of the people of Iran.”

Alarming Findings in IAEA Report

Although both countries kept the proposal details confidential, the IAEA’s latest findings raised serious concern. According to BBC, Iran now holds more than 400 kg of uranium enriched up to 60% purity. This level is much higher than what is needed for civilian nuclear use.

To be weapons-grade, uranium must reach 90% purity. Still, the IAEA warned that if Iran refines its 60% uranium further, it could build 10 nuclear weapons. Iran is currently the only non-nuclear-armed nation producing uranium at such a high level.

Pressure Builds on Iran

Because of this, the US, UK, France, and Germany may push the IAEA’s board to declare Iran in violation of non-proliferation rules. Meanwhile, Iran insisted that its nuclear program remains peaceful. On Saturday, Iranian state media dismissed the IAEA report as “politically motivated” and full of “baseless accusations.” Iran also said it would “implement appropriate measures” if the IAEA board takes any action against it, according to BBC.

Background on US-Iran Talks

Since President Donald Trump returned to office, the US has been trying to limit Iran’s nuclear program. Talks between the two countries began in April. Trump has been pushing for a new nuclear deal after withdrawing from the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2018. That earlier deal included Iran and six world powers: the US, China, Russia, France, the UK, and Germany.