US President Donald Trump announced that Iran agreed to surrender its stockpile of enriched uranium. He, further, said on Thursday that both nations are on the verge of a deal to conclude six weeks of intense conflict.
Addressing reporters at the White House, Trump described the shift as a significant breakthrough in the continuing negotiations. He noted that Tehran has agreed to hand over what he termed "nuclear dust" — his shorthand for the enriched uranium Washington fears could be weaponised. He expressed considerable optimism, stating there was a "very good chance" of a final agreement being reached shortly.
Trump indicated that momentum is building, with the next round of discussions potentially scheduled for as early as this weekend. Nevertheless, at the same time, he was doubtful about the need to extend the existing truce, arguing that the recent flexibility demonstrated by Tehran may not require such an extension. This was due to a combination of the bombing for a month together with the blockade. At the moment, he added that the relationship with Iran is "very good."
The dispute over nuclear ambitions has been a primary hurdle. While the US recently proposed a 20-year suspension of all nuclear activity — a shift from its original demand for a permanent ban — Tehran had initially suggested a halt of only three to five years. Sources in Iran now suggest a compromise is surfacing regarding the highly enriched uranium; Tehran is reportedly considering shipping a portion of the stockpile out of the country, a move it had previously rejected.
Despite the hopeful tone, Trump cautioned that the situation remains precarious. He warned that if negotiations fail, fighting will resume immediately once the ceasefire expires next week. Officials have observed that the mounting pressure has forced concessions from Iran that were unthinkable only two months ago.
The President also hinted at his potential attendance at a signing ceremony in Islamabad if the deal is finalised, praising Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army General Asim Munir for their roles as mediators. He spoke warmly of the "field marshal" and the Prime Minister, noting that he would consider the trip as "they want me" there. These comments followed a statement from White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who confirmed that talks would likely return to their previous location.
Trump further framed the issue in a global context, specifically calling on Pope Leo XIV to acknowledge the threat of a nuclear-armed Iran. He insisted that the world would be in "great danger" otherwise, addressing a public rift with the Chicago-born Pontiff.
Also read: Trump announces 10-day Israel-Lebanon ceasefire
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