President Donald Trump announced on Friday that the United States has submitted a proposal for a nuclear deal with Iran, highlighting the critical nature of the agreement in curbing Tehran’s nuclear capabilities. During a press briefing in the United Arab Emirates, Trump expressed confidence that the U.S. and Iran have reached a tentative agreement on the nuclear deal, stating, ‘Iran has sort of agreed to the terms. They’re not going to make — I call it, in a friendly way — nuclear dust.’
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in an interview on ‘Hannity’, warned that Iran is now at the threshold of becoming a nuclear weapons state. ‘Once you’re at 60, you’re 90% of the way there. You are, in essence, a threshold nuclear weapons state, which is what Iran basically has become,’ Rubio stated. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has noted that Iran’s stockpile of 60% enriched uranium has increased significantly, from 182 kg to 275 kg, raising alarms about its potential to rapidly develop nuclear weapons. Rubio emphasized that if Iran procures enough of this enriched material, it could transition to 90% enriched uranium and weaponize it in a short period, posing a direct threat to regional and international security.
U.S. and Iranian officials have engaged in four rounds of talks since Trump took office, primarily in Oman, to address Tehran’s nuclear program. The discussions have been described as constructive, with both sides showing willingness to negotiate. However, the urgency of the situation has intensified, with Rubio asserting that the U.S. must act swiftly to prevent Iran from advancing its nuclear capabilities. Congressional Republicans have also urged Trump to maintain a firm stance, calling for the complete dismantlement of Iran’s nuclear enrichment infrastructure in a letter that received broad support within the party. This has added pressure on the administration to ensure that any agreement reached is enforceable and that Iran’s nuclear ambitions are effectively curbed.
Trump’s statement on the potential nuclear agreement has sparked mixed reactions within the U.S. political landscape. While some Republicans welcome the move as a necessary step to counter Iran’s growing threat, others are concerned about the implications of a diplomatic approach and the potential for further escalation. The situation remains fluid, with both the U.S. and Iran continuing to negotiate while addressing the broader geopolitical tensions in the region. The outcome of these discussions will have significant implications for U.S. foreign policy and the stability of the Middle East.