Full Breakdown
Trump Pushes for a New Iran Nuclear Deal Amid Ongoing Conflict
4/25/2026, 9:39:28 PM
Core Event
President Donald Trump has reopened talks with Iran in Pakistan, demanding a permanent ban on Tehran’s uranium enrichment and the removal of what he calls “nuclear dust.” The negotiations occur while U.S. and Israeli forces continue air strikes on Iranian nuclear sites and a cease-fire remains provisional.
Background & Context
The 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) limited Iran’s enrichment, required export of most enriched uranium, and imposed extensive IAEA monitoring. The United States withdrew from the JCPOA in 2018, after which Iran expanded its program. U.S. strikes in June 2025 damaged key facilities, prompting the current diplomatic push to replace the “disastrous” deal, according to the president.
Data & Statistics
- Inspectors estimate Iran holds about 11 tons of uranium at various enrichment levels, enough for roughly 100 nuclear weapons.
- Roughly 970 lb (440 kg) of 60 %-enriched uranium is stored in large canisters; the administration refers to it as “nuclear dust.”
- The Bushehr reactor’s spent-fuel pool contains plutonium that could support the production of more than 200 bombs if reprocessed.
Official Statements & Responses
Trump has said Iran must “suspend all nuclear activity for an extended period” and warned that “the clock is ticking” on diplomatic options. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei rejected any transfer of enriched material, stating, “Iran’s enriched uranium is not going to be transferred anywhere under any circumstances.” U.S. negotiators have proposed near-real-time surveillance at Bushehr, routine removal of spent fuel, and a halt to construction of a second reactor. The IAEA continues to call for “anytime, anywhere” inspections to verify compliance.
Criticism & Opposition
Republican Sen. Roger Marshall (Kansas) suggested that if talks stall the United States might need to “finish the job” with a nuclear strike, likening the decision to President Truman’s use of the atomic bomb. Other GOP lawmakers, including Rep. Randy Fine and Rep. Tim Walberg, have advocated for nuclear attacks on regional adversaries, drawing condemnation from rights groups. Analysts in a Newsweek opinion piece argue that war will not resolve Iran’s nuclear threat and that enhanced verification under the NPT is the only durable solution. CS Monitor reports that critics view Trump’s “strike first, then talk” approach as destabilizing and contrary to the diplomatic achievements of the JCPOA.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the quantity and form of Iran’s enriched material: the New York Times cites 970 lb, Fox News cites 440 kg, and Scientific American describes the material as gaseous UF6 stored in large canisters. The “nuclear dust” label is not used by technical experts, creating ambiguity about the material’s physical state. Iran has not publicly confirmed any offer to surrender the material, and the IAEA has not verified the existence of the alleged underground “overpacks.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “I think that’s right,” — Roger Marshall, U.S. Senator (Truthout)
- “Iran’s enriched uranium is not going to be transferred anywhere under any circumstances,” — Esmaeil Baqaei, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson (Fox News)
- “Trust but verify.” — Ronald Reagan, quoted by Jonathan Granoff (Newsweek)
- “If you have unfriendly people around you that are shooting at you, that’s going to make it a whole lot harder,” — Cheryl Rofer, retired Los Alamos chemist (Scientific American)
- “I just interpreted it as Trump’s kind of colorful way of talking,” — Matthew Kroenig, senior director, Atlantic Council (New York Times)
What’s Next
The next NPT Review Conference convenes in New York later this month, where states will assess treaty implementation. U.S. negotiators aim to secure “anytime, anywhere” inspection mechanisms and a permanent enrichment ban in any forthcoming agreement. The outcome of the Pakistan talks will shape the regional conflict’s trajectory and the broader non-proliferation regime.
