Agencies | Washington:
Negotiations between the United States and Iran appear to be entering a crucial stage, with senior envoys of US President Donald Trump holding consultations with nuclear experts as both sides seek to bridge remaining differences over a proposed framework agreement aimed at ending hostilities and advancing broader nuclear talks.
According to reports, Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and senior adviser Jared Kushner made an unannounced visit to the Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee, where they met technical experts specializing in uranium processing and nuclear verification technologies. The consultations are viewed as part of preparations for a possible next phase of negotiations with Tehran.
The visit comes as Washington and Tehran continue discussions over a proposed memorandum of understanding (MoU) designed to consolidate a fragile ceasefire and establish a framework for future negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme. Despite months of diplomatic engagement, significant differences remain on key issues, particularly regarding Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium and the timeline for reducing its enrichment capabilities.
President Trump has repeatedly maintained that any agreement must ensure Iran cannot develop a nuclear weapon, while Tehran insists its nuclear programme is intended solely for peaceful civilian purposes. The US president has expressed optimism about the prospects for diplomacy but has continued to leave open the possibility of military action should negotiations fail.
Sources familiar with the talks indicated that negotiations are in an advanced stage, although no final agreement has yet been reached. Reports suggest that both sides have broadly agreed on extending the ceasefire, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, facilitating Iranian oil exports, and launching detailed discussions on nuclear restrictions. However, disagreements persist over implementation timelines and financial arrangements.
One of the principal sticking points concerns the deadline for Iran to dilute or down-blend its stockpile of enriched uranium. Washington is reportedly seeking a 60-day deadline as part of any final agreement, while Iranian negotiators are pushing for a longer 90-day timeframe.
Differences also remain over the release of billions of dollars in frozen Iranian assets. The United States has proposed releasing the funds after a comprehensive agreement is concluded, whereas Tehran is seeking the immediate release of at least a portion of the assets as a confidence-building measure.
Officials said the Oak Ridge consultations underscore the seriousness of the negotiations. If a preliminary agreement is reached, a team of approximately 100 technical experts could be tasked with designing mechanisms for the disposal or management of Iran’s nuclear material, developing further restrictions on uranium enrichment, and establishing verification procedures to ensure compliance with any future accord.
The Oak Ridge National Laboratory is regarded as one of the United States’ leading centres for nuclear research and enrichment technology, making it a key resource for any technical arrangements that could emerge from a future US-Iran nuclear agreement.
While diplomats on both sides continue to express cautious optimism, officials acknowledge that the coming days could prove decisive in determining whether the negotiations culminate in a breakthrough agreement or face renewed uncertainty.
Key Developments
- Trump envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner held consultations with nuclear experts at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
- US and Iran remain divided over the future of Tehran’s enriched uranium stockpile.
- Disagreement persists over timelines for uranium dilution and the release of frozen Iranian assets.
- A team of around 100 technical experts is reportedly being assembled to support potential future negotiations.
- Officials describe the talks as entering a critical and potentially decisive phase.
