Tehran /Washington—According to a report by Israel Hayom, the United States is considering easing certain sanctions on Iran as part of a proposed interim nuclear agreement. The development comes amid renewed negotiations between Washington and Tehran, currently underway in Rome, aimed at de-escalating tensions and laying the groundwork for a broader deal.
A senior American official cited in the report confirmed that while the U.S. has not abandoned its core demand—that Iran halt all uranium enrichment on its territory—the idea of a preliminary agreement has been raised. Under such a framework, Iran would take demonstrable steps to indicate its willingness to fully renounce nuclear weapons.
In a pointed statement ahead of his visit to Rome, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reiterated Tehran’s red line: “Zero nuclear weapons equals a deal. Zero enrichment equals no deal. It’s time to decide.” His remarks underscored Iran’s refusal to give up its right to enrich uranium, a stance also echoed by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who previously dismissed calls to end enrichment as “excessive and outrageous.”
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, addressing the Senate earlier this week, reaffirmed Washington’s position, noting that while the U.S. is open to Iran maintaining a civilian nuclear program, uranium enrichment will not be tolerated due to its potential military implications. “Achieving such an agreement won’t be easy,” Rubio said.
Meanwhile, Israeli officials have expressed concern over the direction of the talks, warning that sanctions relief could embolden Iran and its regional proxies. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has signaled that Israel will consider all options, including military action, if the emerging deal fails to adequately curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Negotiations are expected to continue in the coming days, with both sides holding firm to their positions as global attention remains fixed on the outcome.
