Deal or Disaster? Iran Could Be Allowed to Keep Its Nuclear Program Under U.S. Plan

The Trump administration is reportedly considering a significant shift in its nuclear policy toward Iran, potentially allowing the Islamic Republic to continue limited uranium enrichment for peaceful purposes under a new proposed framework. The move would mark a departure from the administration’s previous “maximum pressure” approach and could reshape the dynamics of ongoing negotiations with Tehran.

According to internal discussions and reports from diplomatic sources, the U.S. proposal—delivered by Special Envoy Steve Witkoff—would permit Iran to enrich uranium to a maximum purity of 3%, far below the 90% threshold required for weapons-grade material. The proposal suggests that this level of enrichment could be allowed for an undetermined period, provided Iran agrees to dismantle critical elements of its nuclear infrastructure, cease new development of advanced centrifuges, and halt enrichment activities in underground facilities.

In addition to these technical constraints, the U.S. plan reportedly includes the formation of a regional uranium enrichment consortium. This consortium would oversee enrichment activities in a multilateral framework, supported by enhanced international monitoring and verification protocols designed to ensure Iran’s nuclear program remains exclusively peaceful.

Despite the internal discussions, President Donald Trump publicly contradicted elements of the proposal on his Truth Social platform. “Under any deal, WE WILL NOT ALLOW ANY ENRICHMENT OF URANIUM!” he declared, reaffirming a hardline stance that has defined much of his foreign policy.

This contradiction has sparked confusion among analysts and international observers, as it raises questions about the coherence of the administration’s position. While some officials describe the proposal as a realistic compromise to prevent further escalation, others see the President’s statements as a reaffirmation of earlier U.S. demands for total dismantlement of Iran’s enrichment program.

Iranian officials have reacted cautiously to the emerging plan. While welcoming the shift away from maximum pressure, Iranian diplomats have expressed skepticism, particularly over the lack of guarantees on sanctions relief and the proposal’s requirement to suspend all enrichment activities within Iran itself.

Experts on non-proliferation note that allowing limited enrichment under strict controls is not without precedent. Similar arrangements were in place under the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which the Trump administration withdrew from in 2018. However, the success of any new agreement will depend on the ability of both sides to bridge deep political mistrust and agree on verifiable steps to prevent nuclear weapon development.

As negotiations continue behind closed doors, the future of U.S.-Iran nuclear diplomacy remains uncertain. The competing messages within the administration highlight the ongoing struggle to balance security concerns, diplomatic credibility, and regional stability in one of the world’s most volatile geopolitical arenas.