U.S. special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner recently visited the Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee to engage with leading nuclear experts. This meeting is part of preparations for a potential new nuclear agreement with Iran.
According to sources, the visit took place on Thursday at facilities under the U.S. Department of Energy, including the Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the Y-12 National Security Complex. These sites are known for their work in uranium processing and centrifuge technologies, and have historically been involved in the transfer of nuclear materials from various countries, including Kazakhstan and Libya.
In light of ongoing negotiations, the U.S. has assembled a team of approximately 100 top experts to participate in discussions should a preliminary agreement be reached. During their meeting, Witkoff and Kushner addressed technical challenges, plans for the disposal of Iranian nuclear materials, and mechanisms for limiting Iran’s uranium enrichment program and ensuring compliance with any future agreement.
Some of the nuclear experts who met with the U.S. officials had previously accompanied Trump administration envoys in Oman during earlier rounds of negotiations with Iran, which occurred prior to the escalation of conflict in the region.
The Biden administration is currently working to establish a memorandum of understanding with Iran, aimed at concluding hostilities and initiating more extensive nuclear talks. Last week, Witkoff and Kushner reached an agreement with Iranian representatives on the terms of a 60-day deal, which includes extending a ceasefire, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, allowing Iran to sell oil, and beginning discussions on enriched uranium stockpiles and restrictions on further enrichment.
On Friday, May 30, former President Trump requested two amendments to the agreement, prompting Iran to indicate that it would also seek modifications. U.S. officials are awaiting an official response from Iran, though they currently assess the differences as relatively minor.
Specifically, Trump is demanding that any final agreement include a 60-day timeline for the completion of the process to dilute Iran’s highly enriched uranium, while Iranian officials are advocating for a 90-day period. Additionally, there are discrepancies regarding the amounts and timelines for the release of frozen Iranian assets. The U.S. has stated it will release funds following specific steps in implementing the agreement, while Iran insists on immediate access to a portion of those funds.
An advisor to Iran’s Supreme Leader stated to CNN that negotiations have stalled over the frozen assets, asserting that “the ball is in Trump’s court.”
One U.S. official commented to Axios that while the meeting in Oak Ridge does not guarantee an agreement will be finalized, it reflects that negotiations are at a serious stage, with a significant chance of success, and that preparations are underway.
U.S. envoys visited a nuclear facility to consult experts as part of efforts to negotiate a new deal with Iran. The discussions focus on technical aspects and compliance mechanisms, indicating progress in negotiations despite existing disagreements.