The Trump administration considered the option of allowing Iran access to 30 billion dollars for the construction of a nuclear program for civilian purposes and easing sanctions, CNN writes.

All of this is part of an intensive attempt to bring Tehran back to the negotiating table, confirmed four sources familiar with the matter.

Key actors from the US and the Middle East spoke with Iranians behind closed doors, even during a series of military strikes on Iran in the past two weeks. These talks continued this week, after a ceasefire agreement was reached, sources stated.

Trump administration officials emphasized that several proposals were put forward. Although these proposals are preliminary, the US remains firm on one stance – Iran must not enrich uranium.

Secret Meeting Held

Some details of a possible agreement were worked out at a secret, multi-hour meeting between Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, and partners from the Persian Gulf at the White House last Friday, the day before US military attacks on Iran, two sources familiar with the meeting told CNN.

Among the conditions considered, which had not been previously published, is a planned investment of 20 to 30 billion dollars in a new Iranian non-enrichment nuclear program, which would be used for civilian energy purposes, Trump administration officials and sources familiar with the proposal stated.

One official insisted that the money would not come directly from the US, but from Arab partners. “The US is willing to have those conversations with Iran. Someone will have to pay for the program’s construction, but we will not take on that obligation,” the official said.

Other incentives include the possible lifting of certain sanctions on Iran and allowing Tehran to access six billion dollars currently held in foreign bank accounts.

Various Proposals Emerge

Last week, another idea emerged that is currently being considered – for US allies from the Gulf to finance the replacement of the Fordow nuclear facility, which the US targeted with bunker-buster bombs over the weekend, with a non-enrichment program.

“A lot of people are coming up with different ideas and trying to be creative,” one source familiar with the negotiations told CNN.

“I think it’s completely uncertain what will happen here,” added another source familiar with the first five rounds of negotiations between the US and Iran, which occurred before Israeli and US attacks on Iran’s nuclear program.

Witkoff stated yesterday on CNBC that the US is striving for a “comprehensive peace agreement.”

New Meeting Next Week?

Washington acknowledges that Iran may be developing a nuclear program for civilian purposes, but emphasizes that Tehran must not enrich uranium even in that context. Instead, the US proposes that Iran import already enriched uranium.

The administration could get an opportunity to present a list of conditions to Iran. President Donald Trump announced that Americans and Iranians could meet next week, although Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Bagaei stated that he was not aware of such plans.

Sources familiar with the talks told CNN that exact dates have not yet been set. Despite the strong diplomatic activity led by Witkoff, Trump publicly downplayed the significance of reaching a new nuclear deal this week, saying that he “does not consider an agreement necessary.” “I don’t care if we have one or not,” he stated.

Nevertheless, many in his circle believe that a potential agreement could guarantee a long-term ceasefire.

Iranian Regime Might Now Desire Nuclear Weapons

Qatar played a key role in mediating the ceasefire between Israel and Iran earlier this week, and will continue close cooperation with the US to ensure that conflicts do not resume. Within the Trump administration, there is hope that Iran, after recent events, will accept US conditions and halt activities that could lead to the development of nuclear weapons.

However, Iranian analysts warn of the possibility that the regime in Tehran might now conclude that nuclear weapons are necessary for them. Earlier this week, the Iranian parliament adopted a law on ceasing cooperation with UN nuclear watchdog bodies.

The US and Iran held five rounds of negotiations to try to establish a framework for a new nuclear agreement. The Americans presented a proposal to Tehran, and Iran was expected to respond during the sixth round of negotiations in Oman. However, those talks were interrupted by Israeli attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities.

On Saturday, ahead of US attacks on three Iranian facilities, the Trump administration communicated with Iran through intermediaries. Sources claim that the message was clear: the attacks would be limited, but the US would not give up on the demand that Iran halt uranium enrichment.

Trump: We Might Sign an Agreement

Trump was cautious when speaking about the possibility of a new agreement, telling reporters: “We might sign an agreement, I don’t know.” He confirmed that the administration would insist on the same types of commitments that were sought in earlier negotiations with Iran.

US Secretary of State Marko Rubio, who is also a national security advisor, stated that reaching an agreement depends on Iran’s readiness to negotiate directly with the US, and not through intermediaries.

“We would like to have peaceful relations with every country in the world. This, however, depends on whether Iran is ready not only for peace, but also for direct negotiations with the United States,” Rubio said.

Witkoff acknowledged that there are “signals” that a deal is possible. “We are talking to the Iranians. More interlocutors are contacting us. I think they are ready,” he said.

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Source: Index.hr, Photo: EPA

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