While the US has offered a reconciliation proposal, it has simultaneously ramped up pressure on Iran, aiming to secure a new nuclear agreement with Tehran. However, the Islamic Republic flatly rejected the US proposal, insisting on its right to pursue nuclear development for peaceful purposes. The international community has expressed concern that the retaliatory actions between the two countries could drive a potential agreement out of reach.
US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce stated that Washington’s “maximum pressure” campaign on Iran remains in full effect alongside efforts to reach a new nuclear deal. The statement refutes an earlier report by The Wall Street Journal suggesting that the White House had issued a directive to pause new sanctions against Iran.
Sources from the White House also revealed that President Donald Trump's pressure campaign on Iran is facing stagnation.
Following five rounds of indirect negotiations between the US and Iran held in Oman and Italy since April, Washington submitted a new proposal through US Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff. The proposal would allow Iran to enrich uranium at low levels—below 3%—for civilian purposes while banning the construction of new enrichment sites and requiring the dismantling of key uranium conversion infrastructure. The US proposal limits enrichment activities to above-ground facilities designated for civilian nuclear energy production, under guidelines set by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
The US also demanded that Iran “freeze” all underground enrichment facilities during the negotiation period and halt the research and development of advanced centrifuge technology. The proposal includes enhanced monitoring mechanisms by the IAEA.
According to the US, sanctions would only be partially lifted if Iran fully complies with the outlined conditions. However, President Trump later publicly rejected the proposal, asserting that any agreement must require Iran to cease all uranium enrichment, including for civilian purposes. This created inconsistencies in the US stance and deepened Iranian scepticism.
In response to Washington’s hardline rhetoric, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian declared that the Islamic Republic would not accept coercion or imposed conditions in the indirect nuclear talks mediated by Oman. Pezeshkian reaffirmed that Iran does not seek to develop nuclear weapons and remains open to cooperation to demonstrate the peaceful nature of its nuclear programme.
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, also dismissed the US proposal, stating that Tehran will not abandon its uranium enrichment activities. Speaking on national television, Khamenei emphasised that uranium enrichment is a core component of Iran’s nuclear programme. He said the US proposal contradicts the principles of self-reliance and Iran’s independent development strategy. Khamenei asserted that developing nuclear technology for civilian use is a legitimate right of all nations, including Iran.
Iranian government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani stressed that Tehran supports dialogue, but it must be “transparent and sincere.” She added that Iran is prepared for all scenarios but will remain at the negotiating table, as long as its national interests are protected.
