The Trump administration and Iran have been negotiating the framework of a nuclear agreement that could include a 15-year suspension of Iranian uranium enrichment, according to a report detailing confidential talks between the two sides.
Citing U.S. officials and diplomats briefed on the negotiations, The New York Times reported Tuesday that discussions have focused on four major elements that American officials say could effectively halt Iran's nuclear program for more than a decade.
The proposed agreement would require Iran to suspend uranium enrichment for 15 years, dilute its existing stockpile of enriched uranium, dismantle key nuclear facilities, and permit expanded international inspections.
The United States initially sought a 20-year enrichment ban, while Iran proposed a 10-year halt, but officials now believe Tehran could agree to a 15-year suspension, though it remains unclear whether President Donald Trump would accept that timeline.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has repeatedly said any agreement must address all 11 tons of enriched uranium currently held by Iran, including roughly a half-ton enriched to near weapons-grade levels.
Negotiators are reportedly discussing a plan under which Iran's uranium stockpile would be diluted under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency.
U.S. officials envision a direct American role in handling the material, while Iranian officials have indicated the United States would serve only as an observer.
The negotiations also include U.S. demands that Iran dismantle its major nuclear sites at Natanz, Fordo, and Isfahan.
Iran has discussed closing two facilities but wants to keep one operational to preserve what it considers its right to enrich uranium.
Another sticking point involves inspection authority. U.S. negotiators are seeking "snap" inspections that would allow international inspectors access to sites throughout Iran, including military facilities that historically have been off-limits.
The talks have unfolded amid renewed tensions in the region. Trump said Tuesday that Iran shot down a U.S. Army Apache helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz, prompting warnings that the United States would respond.
Despite the violence, diplomatic contacts have continued. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi maintained communications during recent exchanges between Iran and Israel, helping to prevent further escalation, The Times reported.
American officials said the two sides were nearing agreement on a framework before the latest hostilities threatened to derail progress.
The report said the administration is preparing for the possibility of a deal. Witkoff and Jared Kushner recently visited Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee to review plans for handling and neutralizing Iran's enriched uranium stockpile.
The negotiations remain complicated by disagreements over access to approximately $25 billion in frozen Iranian assets.
Iranian officials have sought the release of significant funds upfront, while U.S. negotiators have insisted that the money be released incrementally as Iran fulfills its obligations under any agreement.
White House officials remain optimistic that the recent fighting will not permanently disrupt the talks and hope detailed negotiations could begin in Switzerland later this month, according to the report.
Any agreement, however, would still require approval from Iran's leadership and could face resistance from hard-line elements within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which some U.S. officials believe remain committed to maintaining Iran's nuclear capabilities.