The United States and Iran are reportedly discussing a potential compromise involving Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile and the release of billions of dollars in frozen Iranian assets as part of ongoing negotiations to ease tensions.
The United States and Iran are reportedly engaged in discussions over a draft agreement that could involve Tehran handing over its stockpile of enriched uranium in exchange for access to around $20 billion in frozen Iranian funds.
The proposal is part of broader negotiations aimed at de-escalating tensions between the two countries.
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A key priority in the talks is Iran’s stockpile of nearly 2,000 kilograms of enriched uranium stored in underground facilities, including material enriched to high levels. US officials are reportedly concerned about restricting Iran’s ability to further process or access these reserves.
According to reports, earlier discussions considered the release of smaller amounts of frozen funds for humanitarian purchases, while Iran reportedly pushed for a much higher figure. The current discussions are believed to centre around a compromise figure of about $20 billion, though no agreement has been finalised.
US President Donald Trump, however, later stated on social media that “no money will change hands,” without directly addressing the broader details of the reported proposal.
The two sides are also reportedly divided over how Iran’s enriched uranium would be managed. The US is said to prefer removal of the material from Iran, while Iranian negotiators have proposed down-blending it domestically under international supervision.
A possible compromise under discussion includes transferring part of the material to a third country and processing the rest under monitoring arrangements.
The draft memorandum reportedly being discussed also includes proposals related to limits on Iran’s nuclear enrichment activities. These include discussions on a possible moratorium, duration of restrictions, and future use of nuclear facilities for civilian purposes such as medical isotope production.
The proposal also suggests restrictions on underground nuclear facilities, though major differences remain between both sides on enforcement and scope.
The negotiations are taking place alongside wider geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, including maritime security concerns in the Strait of Hormuz and ongoing disputes over regional influence. Mediators from other countries are reportedly assisting in backchannel discussions as efforts continue to narrow differences between the two sides.
Published: 17 Apr 2026, 10:42 pm IST
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