According to Axios, President Donald Trump is awaiting a proposal from Iran regarding “symbolic” uranium enrichment, while simultaneously evaluating various scenarios, including the potential removal of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and his son.
The report cites a senior US official who indicated that the Trump administration is open to a proposal allowing Iran limited uranium enrichment, provided it does not facilitate the development of nuclear weapons.
This development suggests a possible opening for negotiations between the US and Iran regarding the limitations of Iran’s nuclear capabilities, although the parameters remain stringent. The official stated, “Trump will be willing to accept a deal that is substantial and politically viable domestically. If the Iranians wish to prevent an attack, they must present an offer that is compelling. They continue to miss opportunities, and patience is wearing thin.”
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi announced on Friday that Iran’s proposal would be finalized within the next two to three days. However, US and Israeli officials have reported that Trump may consider military action as early as this weekend.
Some of Trump’s advisors advocate for a patient approach, arguing that as time passes and US military presence increases, Trump’s leverage will grow. Nonetheless, even close advisors acknowledge uncertainty regarding Trump’s eventual decision.
“The President has not yet decided to strike. I know this because we have not yet attacked. He might never do it. He could wake up tomorrow and say, ‘That’s enough.'”
A Trump advisor noted that the Pentagon has presented various military options to the President. “They have plans for every scenario. One option involves the removal of the Ayatollah and his son,” referring to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and his son Mojtaba, who is considered a potential successor. “No one knows what the President will choose. I don’t think even he knows,” the advisor added.
Another source confirmed that a plan to assassinate Khamenei and his son was presented to Trump several weeks ago. A senior Trump advisor remarked, “Trump is keeping all options open. He could decide to launch an attack at any moment.” White House spokesperson Anna Kelly stated, “The media can speculate on the President’s thoughts as much as they want, but only Trump knows what he might do or not do.”
Public positions from both the US and Iran regarding uranium enrichment appear incompatible. However, comments from Araqchi and the US official indicate that an agreement remains possible. Currently, Iran is not enriching uranium, as centrifuges at its nuclear facilities were largely destroyed during airstrikes last June. Both the US and Israel have stated they will respond with military action if uranium enrichment resumes.
Supreme Leader Khamenei has firmly stated that Iran will not relinquish its right to uranium enrichment, which the regime claims will be used solely for civilian purposes. Trump has repeatedly asserted, including last week, that he does not want Iran to have the capacity to enrich uranium.
Araqchi stated on Friday that the US did not request Iran to agree to “zero enrichment” during negotiations in Geneva on Tuesday. He also denied that Iran proposed a temporary suspension of its enrichment program during the talks.
“We are currently discussing how to ensure that Iran’s nuclear program, including enrichment, is peaceful and remains so forever,” Araqchi said, adding that Iran would take “confidence-building measures” in exchange for the lifting of US sanctions.
Following the Geneva discussions, Trump’s envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner asked Araqchi to prepare a detailed proposal addressing all US concerns regarding Iran’s nuclear program. A senior US official indicated that Witkoff and Kushner communicated Trump’s position of “zero enrichment” on Iranian soil.
However, the official noted that if the proposal includes “minor, symbolic enrichment,” and if the Iranians provide detailed assurances that it poses no threat, the US would consider it. Sources familiar with the negotiations reported that intermediaries from Oman and Qatar have conveyed to both Iran and the US that any agreement should allow both sides to declare victory and, if possible, be acceptable to Gulf countries and Israel.
Araqchi hinted at this in his interview on Friday, stating, “It has to be a deal that benefits both sides. That is the most challenging aspect. It must take into account the interests and concerns of both parties.”
As the region braces for potential conflict, a US official emphasized that the US will await Iran’s proposal before deciding on further actions or whether another round of negotiations is warranted.
In the lead-up to these developments, Trump indicated he would consider limited strikes against Iran. Reports have suggested that US military forces are prepared to launch strikes against Iran as early as this weekend, with Trump informed of the situation, although no decision has been made.
Iran has warned that it will target US bases in the Middle East should Washington resort to military force.
The Trump administration is considering a proposal from Iran regarding limited uranium enrichment while evaluating military options, including potential strikes against Iranian leadership. As negotiations continue, both sides express the need for a deal that addresses mutual concerns.
Source: Axios