WASHINGTON — The Trump administration is weighing its next steps in negotiations with Iran over the future of Tehran’s nuclear program, following a preliminary agreement that paused hostilities and opened a 60-day window for talks on a broader settlement, U.S. and Iranian officials said this week.
President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that the interim memorandum of understanding with Iran makes clear that Tehran will not be permitted to obtain a nuclear weapon. Speaking on the sidelines of the Group of Seven summit in France, Trump said the agreement establishes a framework for further negotiations and that details of a final arrangement remain to be negotiated.
“The only thing that really matters to me is Iran will never have a nuclear weapon, and it says it loud and clear,” Trump told reporters, according to Reuters.
Under the draft framework, U.S. and Iranian negotiators are expected to meet in Switzerland to begin technical discussions aimed at reaching a final agreement within approximately 60 days. Reuters reported that the memorandum includes provisions related to a ceasefire, reopening the Strait of Hormuz and maintaining the status of Iran’s nuclear program while negotiations continue.
Key issues remain unresolved. Reuters reported that questions surrounding Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile, verification measures and the scope of future sanctions relief are expected to be central topics during the next phase of negotiations. Iranian officials have publicly stated that details concerning Tehran’s nuclear activities will be addressed in subsequent talks.
The administration is also consulting regional partners. Trump said on Tuesday that Washington plans discussions with Gulf nations concerning Iran’s ballistic missile program and its support for armed proxy groups, issues that are being addressed separately from the nuclear negotiations.
The negotiations follow months of conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran that disrupted regional trade and shipping. A preliminary agreement announced this month was welcomed by several international leaders as a step toward reducing tensions, though officials acknowledged that major issues remain unresolved.
Iran has maintained that its nuclear program is intended for peaceful purposes. U.S. officials have continued to insist that any final agreement must prevent Tehran from developing a nuclear weapon. Reuters reported that differences remain over how nuclear restrictions would be implemented and monitored.
As of Wednesday, administration officials said preparations were continuing for the next round of talks in Switzerland. The full text of the memorandum had not yet been formally released, and details of several provisions remained unclear pending further negotiations.
