The Trump administration signaled Friday that it is prepared to allow Iran to maintain a civilian nuclear energy program as part of a broader agreement aimed at ending hostilities and establishing a framework for long-term peace negotiations.
A senior White House official said the administration is not opposed to Iran operating civilian nuclear power facilities, provided those facilities cannot be used to develop nuclear weapons.
“We’re not bothered at all by the idea of civilian power plants in Iran,” the official told reporters. “What we’re bothered by is the type of infrastructure that would allow them to jump from civilian power generation to nuclear weapons development.”
The remarks offered new insight into negotiations between Washington and Tehran as both sides move closer to finalizing a memorandum of understanding that could establish a temporary ceasefire and launch broader diplomatic talks.
President Donald Trump has repeatedly stated that preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon remains a central objective of his administration’s foreign policy.
While previous public statements emphasized dismantling Iran’s nuclear capabilities, administration officials now appear to be distinguishing between civilian nuclear energy programs and facilities capable of producing weapons-grade material.
According to the White House official, any agreement would require Iran to eliminate infrastructure associated with nuclear weapons development while permitting strictly monitored civilian energy operations.
The administration pointed to the United Arab Emirates as an example of a country operating civilian nuclear power plants without maintaining capabilities that could be quickly converted into a weapons program.
Questions remain about what safeguards would be imposed and how compliance would be verified.
Officials have not publicly outlined the inspection mechanisms, monitoring requirements or enforcement provisions that would accompany a final agreement.
The proposed memorandum reportedly includes provisions requiring Iran’s current stockpile of enriched nuclear material to be destroyed or removed from the country.
Administration officials have argued that eliminating existing nuclear material is essential to preventing future weapons development.
The agreement would also establish a 60-day period without active hostilities, allowing negotiators from the United States, Iran and regional stakeholders to pursue a broader peace settlement.
The official said the administration believes prospects for a deal are stronger than at any previous point in the negotiations.
“Peace has never been this close as it is now,” the official said.
Negotiators are reportedly working toward a signing ceremony that could take place in Europe as early as this weekend.
Vice President J.D. Vance is expected to play a prominent role in the diplomatic effort if a final agreement is reached, per the Daily Mail.
The administration estimates there is a strong likelihood that the memorandum will be signed, although officials cautioned that negotiations remain ongoing.
The proposal also reportedly includes provisions reopening maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and ending certain restrictions affecting Iranian shipping operations.
In exchange for compliance, Iran could gain access to economic benefits, including sanctions relief and reintegration into portions of the global economy.
Administration officials stressed that such benefits would be contingent upon Iran fulfilling its obligations under the agreement.
The latest developments come one day after Trump criticized Iranian officials for leaking purported details of the negotiations to media organizations.
Trump argued that publicly reported terms did not accurately reflect the contents of the written agreement under discussion.
