Feb 21 • 17:30 UTC 🇶🇦 Qatar Al Jazeera

Axios: Trump may allow Iran to have "symbolic" nuclear enrichment

A senior U.S. official indicated that the Trump administration is open to considering a proposal that would allow Iran to conduct symbolic nuclear enrichment, amidst discussions of military options targeting Iranian leaders.

According to Axios, a senior U.S. official has signaled that President Trump's administration is willing to entertain a proposal permitting Iran to engage in what they term 'symbolic' nuclear enrichment. This position is reportedly part of a broader negotiation strategy where any substantial deal must be politically marketable within the United States, ensuring no avenue remains for Iran to develop a nuclear weapon. The official also emphasized that to avoid military strikes, Tehran must present an offer that is appealing enough to warrant acceptance, suggesting current Iranian leadership may be failing to capitalize on diplomatic opportunities.

The American officials cited in the article have observed that expectations surrounding the imminent Iranian nuclear proposal are exceedingly high. For the proposal to gain traction, it must adequately address the skepticism not only prevalent within the Trump administration but also within regional stakeholders. According to statements from Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, the proposal is expected to be communicated to the U.S. within the next few days, hinting at accelerating diplomatic efforts amid rising tensions.

The backdrop of this discussion points to a delicate balance of power, as military options remain on the table, particularly the targeting of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, illustrating the severity of U.S. concerns regarding Iran's nuclear ambitions. As negotiations evolve, the relationship between Washington and Tehran continues to be fraught with mistrust, necessitating careful navigation by both parties to avoid conflict while attempting to achieve a sustainable agreement.

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