Iran may be willing to suspend or shut down parts of its nuclear programme to ease tensions with the United States, signalling a possible shift in Tehran’s stance amid rising diplomatic and military pressure
Iran may be willing to suspend or shut down parts of its nuclear programme to reduce tensions with the United States, The New York Times (NYT) reported, citing two unnamed Iranian officials. The comments suggest Tehran could be considering a significant compromise amid escalating diplomatic and military pressure.
Though Iranian leaders have publicly opposed stopping uranium enrichment, the officials told NYT that
Tehran may be open to new terms that differ from its long-standing positions. One potential concession discussed was transferring enriched uranium to Russia.
Talks expected this week in Istanbul
The proposed framework comes as US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi prepare to meet in Istanbul later this week. These negotiations are expected to be one of the most direct contacts between the two sides since tensions escalated last year.
Diplomats from Turkey, Qatar, Oman and Iraq are also mediating parts of the process, with hopes that constructive dialogue in Turkey could build momentum toward a broader deal. Jared Kushner, senior adviser to US President Donald Trump, is expected to attend some sessions.
Despite these developments, Iran insists the talks will only cover the nuclear programme and not other contentious issues, like its ballistic missile development or regional proxy support. US negotiators, according to sources, are pressing for limits on these programs as part of any agreement, a demand Tehran continues to reject.
Iran has also warned that any US strike on its territory—military or otherwise—would provoke retaliation, further complicating an already volatile landscape. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei made the warning as Washington deployed warships after Tehran’s brutal crackdown on nationwide protests. Despite sharp rhetoric, both sides have signalled openness to dialogue, with the US hoping for a diplomatic deal to curb Tehran’s nuclear ambitions and Iran seeking a “fair and equitable” agreement.
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