The Foreign Minister of Oman, Badr Al-Busaidi, announced that Iran has agreed not to accumulate enriched uranium, a move that he claims ensures the country will not possess materials necessary for developing nuclear weapons. This statement was made during an appearance on CBS’s Face the Nation.
Al-Busaidi emphasized that this agreement represents a significant achievement, stating, “I believe the most important accomplishment is the agreement that Iran will never, ever have nuclear material suitable for making a bomb. This, in my view, is a major achievement. It was not in the old agreement made during President Obama’s time. This is something entirely new.”
According to the Omani minister, Iran has committed to a policy of “zero accumulation” of enriched uranium. He explained that while enrichment for other purposes may continue, the absence of stockpiling would prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will closely monitor Iran’s adherence to these limitations.
In a related context, U.S. President Donald Trump addressed the energy program in Texas, mentioning the potential for an agreement with Iran. He remarked, “We need to make a very important decision. We have a country that has been breaking people’s legs and arms for 47 years. They want to make a deal, but it has to be a meaningful deal. I would prefer to do it peacefully. But they are very difficult people.”
Prior discussions between Iranian and U.S. delegations regarding Tehran’s nuclear program took place in Geneva, although no agreement was reached. Oman, acting as a mediator, noted that there had been “significant progress” in the talks.
Background on U.S.-Iran Tensions
Indirect negotiations between the two nations last year failed to yield results, primarily due to the U.S. demand that Iran completely cease uranium enrichment on its territory. Tehran has consistently denied any intentions to develop nuclear weapons.
Earlier reports from CBS News indicated that President Trump held a national security meeting concerning a potential military operation against Iran. Subsequently, the President warned that “very bad things could happen” if Iran does not reach an agreement with the U.S. regarding its nuclear program and does not fully abandon uranium enrichment.
On February 3, U.S. military forces shot down an Iranian drone that had approached the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier in the Arabian Sea. On the same day, vessels from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps threatened to seize an American tanker in the Strait of Hormuz.
On February 6, U.S. authorities urged American citizens to leave Iran immediately due to deteriorating security conditions. Tehran subsequently warned the United Nations that it would target American bases if the U.S. launched strikes against Iran.
Oman's Foreign Minister announced Iran's commitment to not accumulate enriched uranium, marking a potential shift in nuclear negotiations with the U.S. Although discussions have faced challenges, this agreement aims to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.