The Trump administration, represented by White House envoy Steve Whitcoff, stated in a closed meeting that they require Iran to agree to an indefinite nuclear deal without any expiration date. This message, shared by an American official and two other sources close to the discussions, underscores a critical shift from the previously negotiated 2015 nuclear agreement under President Obama, which included sunset provisions that would gradually phase out restrictions on Iran’s nuclear program between eight to twenty-five years post-signature. Whitcoff's statement comes just two days before scheduled nuclear negotiations in Geneva, heightening the stakes of the talks.

The 2015 agreement was designed to prevent Iran from pursuing nuclear weapons in exchange for relief from economic sanctions. However, the Trump administration has consistently criticized the deal, calling it inadequate due to its sunset clauses, which allow certain restrictions to expire over time. By demanding that future agreements eliminate these provisions, the administration aims to create a more permanent barrier against Iran's nuclear ambitions. This ultimatum places significant pressure on Iran and could lead to heightened tensions in the region, especially if negotiations fail.

As diplomatic discussions are set to resume in Geneva, the implications of the Trump administration's demands could influence not only U.S.-Iran relations but also broader international stability in the Middle East. The insistence on a deal without expiration dates suggests a potential escalation towards military options should Iran reject the new terms. Observers will closely monitor the reactions from Tehran and the international community as the deadline for negotiations looms, aware that missteps could lead to a significant increase in hostilities in an already volatile region.