Full Breakdown
US-Iran Nuclear Negotiations Near Deal Amid Ongoing Conflict
6/13/2026, 9:01:02 PM
Negotiations Edge Toward Agreement
U.S. and Iranian delegations, mediated by Pakistan, have narrowed four pillars of a prospective nuclear accord: suspension of Iran’s uranium enrichment, dilution of its existing enriched stockpile, dismantlement of key nuclear facilities, and expanded IAEA inspections. The talks follow a memorandum of understanding that opened a 60-day window for detailed negotiations.
War Background and Ceasefire
The conflict began after a joint U.S.–Israeli strike on Iranian nuclear sites on 28 February, prompting Iranian retaliation and a 12-day war in June 2025. A ceasefire took effect in April, but intermittent skirmishes have persisted, including recent strikes that have not halted diplomatic progress.
Primary Actors
Key participants include President Donald Trump, senior U.S. officials, Iran’s state news agency IRNA, former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Core Issues and Data
The IAEA estimates Iran retained roughly 440.9 kg of 60 % enriched uranium after the June 2025 attacks. Negotiators have floated a 15-year enrichment suspension, with the United States initially seeking 20 years and Iran offering 10 years. The draft proposes diluting the stockpile, dismantling the Natanz, Fordow and Isfahan sites, and releasing $24 billion in frozen assets plus $300 billion for reconstruction, all within a 60-day negotiation period.
Official Positions
U.S. officials say Iran will not export enriched uranium; the IAEA would dilute it. President Trump called the uranium “entombed” and sees no need to retrieve it. IRNA reiterates Tehran’s “right to enrich uranium and retain enriched material” as non-negotiable. Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Netanyahu, say a deal must strip Iran of enriched material and dismantle its missile infrastructure. Former Israeli Defense Minister Gallant argues a military seizure would have “uprooted the nuclear program.”
Opposition & Concerns
Israel demands a deal strip Iran of enriched material and missile capabilities. U.S. analysts warn fortified uranium sites may require central verification. Iran’s bid to control Strait of Hormuz traffic raises regional security concerns.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the suspension length—U.S. seeks 20 years, Iran offered 10 years, negotiators eye 15 years. Plans to dilute versus export the stockpile also diverge, and the remaining quantity of 60 % uranium after the June 2025 strikes is unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We should have gone and brought the enriched uranium by force in a military operation during the campaign. That would have uprooted the nuclear program from Iran,” — Yoav Gallant, former Israeli Defense Minister
- “Iran's right to enrich uranium and the retention of enriched material... will be emphasised with a view to their inclusion in the final agreement” — IRNA, Iran state news agency
- “it’s gotta be a real 20 years.” — Donald Trump, President of the United States
What’s Next
Negotiators aim to finalize the text before the 60-day deadline, after which a formal agreement could be signed. Both sides have indicated that any breakdown could trigger renewed hostilities, while the United Nations and European mediators have urged a swift resolution to prevent further escalation.
