US-Iran nuclear talks: The US is reportedly also offering an $20-30 billion investment to Iran for a new non-enrichment nuclear programme.
The United States has reportedly presented a series of new proposals to Iran in an effort to revive stalled nuclear negotiations. These offers include support to build a non-enrichment nuclear facility for civilian energy use, partial easing of U.S. sanctions, and access to frozen Iranian funds.
Despite U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting that talks could resume as early as next week, Iranian officials have publicly denied any such plans.
Backchannel Diplomacy Amid Conflict
According to CNN, U.S. and Middle Eastern representatives have engaged in quiet talks with Iranian officials over the past two weeks, even as tensions escalated during the recent 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel. That war ended earlier this week following a ceasefire proposal brokered by the United States.
In the wake of that conflict, Iran’s foreign ministry confirmed that its nuclear facilities in Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordow had suffered significant damage from U.S. airstrikes. Although an early U.S. intelligence assessment—leaked to the media—claimed the strikes only temporarily delayed Iran’s nuclear program, newer reports suggest the damage was more extensive.
New U.S. Proposals
According to U.S. officials cited by CNN, the proposals currently under discussion are in early stages. All share one key condition: Iran must agree to zero uranium enrichment. Iran, however, has consistently rejected this condition.
One draft proposal reportedly includes a $20–30 billion investment to help Iran develop a civilian nuclear energy program without uranium enrichment. The funding would not come directly from the U.S., but rather from one of its Gulf Arab allies. Details were reportedly discussed last week in a private meeting between Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and Gulf officials at the White House.
The proposals also include limited sanctions relief that would give Iran access to approximately $6 billion currently frozen in overseas accounts. While Iran cannot presently use these funds due to existing sanctions, partial lifting of restrictions could allow the country to tap into the money.
Additionally, the U.S. is floating the idea of replacing the heavily damaged Fordow facility with a non-enrichment nuclear site, funded by U.S.-backed Gulf nations.
“There are many creative ideas on the table right now,” one source familiar with the talks told CNN. However, another source warned that the outcome remains uncertain and talks could stall again.
Washington’s Bottom Line
The U.S. position remains clear: Iran must abandon uranium enrichment but can maintain a peaceful nuclear energy program using imported enriched material.
President Trump on Wednesday said his administration expects to meet with Iranian counterparts soon, indicating that a sixth round of nuclear talks could be on the horizon.
Iran Responds: No Talks Planned
Despite these comments, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi strongly denied any plan to restart negotiations with the U.S. “No agreement, arrangement, or discussion has taken place regarding new talks,” he stated.
He added that rumors of a renewed dialogue “should not be taken seriously.”
