Iran Insists On Uranium Enrichment Despite Trump's Optimism Over Deal

Last Updated:June 12, 2026, 18:27 IST

Iran insists any US deal protect its uranium enrichment and control of the Strait of Hormuz, despite Trump saying a draft is near, while Israel warns against an Iranian bomb.

Iran on Friday reaffirmed its right to continue enriching uranium and retain control over the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz under any future agreement with the United States, signaling that key differences remain despite US President Donald Trump’s assertion that a draft accord is nearly complete.

The remarks came a day after Trump claimed that a proposed agreement had been approved by Iran’s top leadership and suggested that a formal signing could take place soon.

Iran Lays Down Conditions

According to Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency, Tehran intends to ensure that its right to enrich uranium and retain its stockpile of enriched material is explicitly protected in any final agreement.

IRNA reported that after an initial memorandum of understanding was signed, Iran and the US would enter a 60-day period of negotiations on Tehran’s nuclear programme.

The report also stated that Iran would continue to insist on maintaining authority over shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil transit routes.

Since the outbreak of conflict with the United States and Israel earlier this year, Iran has imposed restrictions on maritime traffic through the waterway, requiring vessels to obtain approval from Iranian authorities before passage.

Draft Deal Details Emerge

Iran’s Mehr News Agency, citing a source familiar with the negotiations, published what it described as the latest draft of the proposed agreement.

According to the report, the draft includes:

• Release of $24 billion in frozen Iranian assets
• Suspension of US sanctions on Iranian oil and petrochemical exports
• Lifting of the US naval blockade on Iranian ports
• A 60-day negotiation period on Iran’s nuclear programme
• Reconstruction assistance worth at least $300 billion
• An end to hostilities across multiple fronts, including Lebanon

The report also claimed that final negotiations would not begin until half of Iran’s frozen funds are released, sanctions on oil exports are eased and maritime restrictions are removed.

Trump Says Deal Is Near

Speaking at the White House on Thursday, Trump said the United States had reached a “great settlement" with Iran and announced that planned military strikes against Iranian targets had been cancelled.

He said the draft agreement had been approved at the highest levels of Iran’s leadership and added that the time and location for signing the accord would be announced shortly.

When asked whether Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei had endorsed the agreement, Trump replied that his understanding was “yes."

The President also suggested that the Strait of Hormuz would reopen once a final deal is signed.

Israel Raises Concerns

Israel, one of Washington’s closest allies, indicated that it had received assurances from Trump that any final agreement would require Iran to give up its enriched uranium stockpiles and dismantle missile-related infrastructure.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated Israel’s long-standing position on Friday.

“As long as I am the Prime Minister of Israel, Iran will not have nuclear weapons," Netanyahu said.

However, Iranian media reports suggest that Tehran is unwilling to compromise on uranium enrichment, potentially setting up a major point of contention in the final stages of negotiations.

Uncertainty Remains

While reports from both Washington and Tehran indicate that negotiations have advanced significantly, important disagreements remain unresolved.

Iran’s insistence on retaining nuclear enrichment capabilities and maintaining influence over the Strait of Hormuz could complicate efforts to finalize a comprehensive agreement, despite Trump’s repeated assurances that a breakthrough is imminent.

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