Iran has agreed in principle to dispose of highly enriched uranium in negotiations with the U.S., though a formal deal is unlikely to be signed this weekend, according to a senior Trump administration official. The announcement comes as part of a broader effort to stabilize relations following a series of military confrontations in the region.
Why it matters: This agreement could mark a turning point in U.S.-Iran relations, potentially easing tensions in the Middle East and impacting global oil markets. The disposal of Iran's enriched uranium is a key component in addressing nuclear proliferation concerns.
The deal aims to open the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for lifting the U.S. blockade on Iranian ports, a move that could significantly reduce energy disruptions.
Negotiations are still underway, with a senior administration official noting that a final agreement will take several days to finalize.
The U.S. believes this proposed deal is more favorable than the 2015 agreement under former President Obama, which allowed limited nuclear enrichment.
Driving the news: President Trump announced on May 23, 2026, that negotiations with Iran were progressing, stating the peace deal is "largely negotiated". He emphasized that he instructed representatives not to rush into a deal, indicating that patience is key as both sides finalize terms.
Trump expressed confidence in the negotiations, asserting, "time is on our side," and that both parties must take their time to avoid mistakes.
Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has reportedly approved a broad template for the deal, which includes commitments to dispose of highly enriched uranium.
The deal will involve a two-step process, starting with the immediate opening of the Strait of Hormuz followed by discussions on Iran's nuclear program.
State of play: As of now, no decisions have been made on unfreezing Iranian assets, and any sanctions relief will be contingent upon Iran fulfilling its commitments related to nuclear material.
The U.S. administration is working on mechanisms for how Iran will dispose of its enriched uranium, a complex issue that remains unresolved.
Vice President JD Vance, Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner are key figures in the negotiations.
Iran has accused the U.S. of blocking the release of frozen assets, raising concerns that the deal could collapse if these issues are not addressed.
The big picture: The Strait of Hormuz is a strategic maritime route through which approximately 25% of the world's oil passes. Reopening this strait could alleviate economic pressures both for Iran and global markets, especially as oil prices have surged due to recent conflicts.
Trump's administration views this agreement as a potential breakthrough, though it is not without its critics, including some GOP hawks who fear it may embolden Iran.
The negotiations come at a time when the Iranian economy is under severe strain, making concessions more appealing for Tehran.
Both sides recognize that the stakes are high, with the potential for renewed conflict if the talks fail.
What they're saying: Officials involved in the negotiations express cautious optimism about reaching an agreement.
A senior U.S. official stated, "I think we're actually in a very good place for a deal," highlighting the seriousness of Iranian accommodations compared to previous negotiations.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian insisted that the country is not pursuing nuclear weapons, emphasizing the importance of national dignity in negotiations.
Concerns remain, with some Iranian officials disputing reports of an agreement to surrender enriched uranium, claiming no final decision has been made.
By the numbers: The proposed deal involves several key elements that could change the geopolitical dynamics in the region.
Approximately 1,000 pounds of highly enriched uranium are involved in the discussions, raising concerns over how this material will be disposed of effectively.
Sanctions relief will be directly tied to Iran's compliance with the disposal of enriched uranium, with no unfreezing of assets anticipated before a final deal is reached.
The negotiations have already been underway for several weeks, with both sides facing pressure to reach a resolution.
What's next: The coming days will be decisive as both sides work to finalize the terms of the agreement.
Iran's Supreme National Council must approve the Memorandum of Understating (MOU) before it can be sent to Khamenei for final ratification.
Trump's administration is expected to continue engaging regional allies to support the negotiations and prepare for the potential impact of the agreement.
As the situation develops, both sides will need to navigate domestic pressures and external criticisms to maintain momentum toward a finalized deal.