Amid the ongoing Middle East conflict, signals of a potential agreement are emerging as Iran and the United States are engaged in final-stage negotiations, with uranium enrichment at the center of the talks; under the proposed deal, Iran would give up its stockpile of enriched uranium in exchange for the United States returning nearly $20 billion in frozen Iranian assets, according to several U.S. officials and sources familiar with the discussions. The war, which began on February 28, has been under a de facto pause since early April, and despite ongoing tensions, significant progress has been made in recent negotiations, although key disagreements still remain unresolved.
U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated that a second round of talks between American and Iranian representatives could take place soon, possibly in Islamabad, with Pakistan playing a mediating role alongside Egypt and Turkey. Reports suggest that Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey are facilitating diplomatic efforts, with the broader goal of securing a final agreement that could formally end the conflict.
Washington’s main objective is to restrict Iran’s uranium stockpile, particularly preventing the use of nearly 2,000 kilograms of enriched uranium, including around 450 kilograms enriched up to 60 percent. At the same time, Iran is under severe economic pressure and is seeking access to frozen funds, making financial issues a key part of the negotiations.
The two sides are currently negotiating the scale of uranium control and the return of frozen Iranian assets. Initial U.S. proposals reportedly included releasing $6 billion for humanitarian purchases such as food and medicine, while Iran demanded $27 billion; discussions have now centered around a possible $20 billion settlement. Iran also seeks clarity on how any returned funds can be used.
On the nuclear issue, the United States initially demanded that Iran transfer all enriched uranium outside the country, but Iran has rejected this proposal, instead suggesting reducing enrichment levels domestically. A compromise under discussion may involve sending part of the enriched uranium to a third country, while the remainder would be diluted under international supervision within Iran.
The draft memorandum of understanding reportedly includes provisions to suspend Iran’s uranium enrichment program, with the U.S. initially proposing a 20-year freeze, while Iran suggested a five-year limit. Mediators are now attempting to narrow this gap. Under the emerging framework, Iran could continue nuclear research for medical purposes, but all facilities would need to remain above ground, with underground sites rendered inactive.
The White House has described the talks as “productive,” although it has declined to provide detailed comments. Meanwhile, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham stated that Trump has been in direct contact with Iranian officials and that negotiations have been active and detailed.
Trump has also claimed that Iran has agreed not to develop nuclear weapons and is prepared to hand over all enriched uranium to the United States, warning that if no agreement is reached, military conflict could resume. He has emphasized that the deal is close, but not yet finalized.
In parallel, a diplomatic meeting is expected in Turkey, where mediators from Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey are scheduled to meet Saudi officials on the sidelines of a broader conference, aiming to push forward efforts to finalize a U.S.–Iran agreement that could potentially bring an end to the ongoing conflict.
Bargaining over deal Iran could get $20 billion in deal
