US President Donald Trump may allow Iran to continue nuclear enrichment, provided Tehran assures that it will not leave any possible path towards making a nuclear bomb. According to American media reports, if Iran does not accept America’s demands, then the Trump administration has tough military options ready. This report has come at a time when America is increasing its military presence in the Middle East. It is believed that the chances of a diplomatic agreement between the two countries are decreasing and tension is increasing rapidly. American officials have been quoted as saying that Iran will have to make a proposal that can assure the Trump administration and regional allies that it is ready to completely abandon its nuclear weapons program.
According to the report of Axios, a senior American official said that if Iran wants to avoid military action then it will have to make such an offer which America cannot refuse. The report also claims that the Pentagon has prepared several options for possible action, including targeting Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, his possible successor Mojtaba Khamenei and the religious leadership. However, the final decision is in Trump’s hands and at present he has not taken any clear decision.
Fear of attack at the end of the week
According to media reports, talks between America and Iran have almost come to a standstill. Regional sources say that Gulf countries and Israel are now seeing greater possibility of military conflict. America has made its largest military deployment in the Middle East since the 2003 Iraq War. Israel is also preparing for possible joint military action, although a final decision has not been taken yet. It was also said in the American media that America could attack at the end of the week, but Trump has not yet given any final order.
Iran’s stance
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said that both sides have agreed on many issues, but differences still remain on many things. Iran may present a written proposal in the coming days. Araghchi made it clear that the purpose of the talks is to ensure that Iran’s nuclear program remains completely peaceful. He said Iran could agree to political and technical measures to restore confidence, provided the US provides sanctions relief. Iran also said it has not been asked to achieve zero enrichment and has not proposed a temporary halt to enrichment.
US terms
American officials say that any proposal from Iran should be very detailed and clear. It will have to prove that its nuclear program is completely peaceful. Amidst the recent decision of the Supreme Court and domestic political pressures, Trump wants an agreement that he can present to the American public in a politically strong manner.
