US, Iran continue fragile talks as Tehran signals openness to nuclear concessions

The White House continues to frame its approach as “peace through strength.”

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

The United States and Iran remain engaged in negotiations aimed at reaching an agreement to reduce hostilities, with Tehran signaling a willingness to make significant concessions on its nuclear program even as military operations continue, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Thursday.

Speaking to reporters, Leavitt said Iran has continued discussions with Washington because it wants to reach an agreement with the United States.

She attributed Tehran’s renewed interest in diplomacy to the “heavy strikes” it has sustained, saying the Trump administration believes the military campaign has forced Iran to reassess its position.

According to Leavitt, US officials believe Iran’s ability to defend itself has been severely degraded by the military pressure applied under President Donald Trump.

As part of the ongoing negotiations, Iran has indicated it is prepared to hand over its stockpile of enriched uranium to the United States, while American negotiators are working to resolve the remaining technical issues needed to finalize an agreement.

President Donald Trump has tasked Vice President JD Vance and special envoy Steve Witkoff with leading the US negotiating team.

Leavitt said one of Washington’s central demands remains the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the removal of naval mines.

She said recent US strikes were launched after Iran violated a memorandum of understanding by firing on commercial vessels transiting the strategic waterway.

According to Leavitt, commercial shipping has resumed through the Strait of Hormuz, although vessels traveling to or from Iranian ports remain barred from using the route.

The White House continues to frame its approach as “peace through strength.”

Leavitt said Trump and Vance are fully aligned on the administration’s strategy, emphasizing that the United States remains willing to pursue diplomacy from what it views as a position of military superiority.

While negotiations continue, both sides remain engaged in military operations, highlighting the fragile nature of the diplomatic effort.

The administration has maintained that the next step rests with Tehran as it weighs continued negotiations against mounting military and economic pressure.