US says Iran agrees in principle to dispose of enriched uranium

The first phase of the proposed ceasefire extension would not include substantive discussions on Iran’s nuclear program.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

US officials said Sunday that Iran had agreed “in principle” to dispose of enriched uranium as negotiations continued over a memorandum of understanding that would extend the ceasefire for 60 days and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Administration officials told reporters there was a “broad commitment” to the principles contained in the proposed documents and said the Trump administration remained encouraged by the state of the talks.

CBS reported that Washington was prepared to offer significant sanctions relief in exchange for Iranian agreement to hand over enriched uranium.

Under the proposed memorandum of understanding, Iran would reopen the Strait of Hormuz while the United States would end its naval blockade.

During the 60-day period, Washington and Tehran would hold discussions on lifting sanctions against Iran, while American troops would remain in the region until negotiations conclude.

The first phase of the proposed ceasefire extension would not include substantive discussions on Iran’s nuclear program, although the issue is scheduled to be addressed in a later phase of negotiations.

According to Kan, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is concerned about two elements of the proposed arrangement: a requirement to end military operations against Lebanon and the postponement of substantive nuclear negotiations until the second phase.

On Sunday, President Trump assured Netanyahu that Iran’s nuclear program would remain part of future negotiations and said he would not sign a final agreement unless Iran dismantles its nuclear enrichment facilities and removes its enriched material.

Iranian officials publicly projected less confidence about the negotiations.

The semi-official IRGC-affiliated Tasnim News Agency reported that negotiations remained at risk of collapse and said disagreements persisted over several provisions of the proposed arrangement, including the release of frozen Iranian assets.

According to Tasnim, the United States was still blocking clauses related to the release of Iranian funds.

“Iran has emphasized that it will not fall short of its red lines for the realization of people’s rights,” Tasnim declared.

US officials separately told reporters Sunday that Iran was willing “in principle” to an agreement involving the disposal of enriched uranium, although no final agreement had yet been announced.