In a fresh attempt to bring Iran back to the negotiating table, officials from the Donald Trump administration have offered a wide-ranging proposal that could see Iran gain access to up to $30 billion for a civilian-use nuclear energy program. According to a report by CNN, the talks have remained secret and are taking place despite rising tensions between Iran and Israel.
The offer is centered around one key demand from the United States: that Iran fully stop enriching uranium. In return, Iran would receive financial and policy-based incentives. These include international investment in a nuclear program for civilian energy use, easing of sanctions, and the release of billions of dollars currently frozen in foreign accounts.
Sources told CNN that the proposed nuclear energy plan would be non-enrichment-based and would receive support from Gulf nations. These countries would help fund the project, although the United States itself would not directly provide the money.
One Trump official involved in the talks said, “The U.S. is willing to lead these talks with Iran. Someone has to pay for the new program, but we will not be the ones making that commitment.”
A key meeting took place last Friday at the White House, where U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff met with Gulf state partners for several hours. During this private session, some of the terms of the draft agreement were discussed. These proposals are still evolving and not finalized.
The most notable offer includes an estimated $20 to $30 billion investment in Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, but only if the program is strictly for civilian purposes and not linked to uranium enrichment. This would require Iran to abandon its current enrichment sites, including Fordow, which was recently damaged by U.S. strikes using bunker-buster bombs.
According to sources, one creative option being considered is to replace the Fordow facility with a U.S.-backed civilian nuclear plant. The funding for this new facility would come from U.S. allies in the Gulf.
In addition to the new plant, the U.S. may lift certain sanctions on Tehran. Iran could also gain access to roughly $6 billion currently frozen in foreign bank accounts, adding further incentive for Iran to return to the deal.
Despite years of tension and recent exchanges of drones and missiles between Iran and Israel, sources confirmed that these behind-the-scenes discussions have continued without interruption. Even after a temporary ceasefire between the two nations, efforts to strike a new deal remain active.
While Iran has repeatedly stated that uranium enrichment is essential to its national energy goals, U.S. officials are hoping that a civilian-only program, backed by regional partners, might be a workable compromise.
“There are a lot of ideas being thrown around,” one source familiar with the talks told CNN. “Everyone involved is trying to be creative and find a way forward.”
These talks come amid growing pressure on both sides to de-escalate tensions and find a long-term solution that prevents further conflict while still addressing global nuclear concerns.
The Trump administration’s willingness to pursue backchannel diplomacy and involve regional players highlights a shift in strategy. By offering financial support through Gulf nations and limiting direct U.S. funding, the deal aims to strike a balance between diplomacy and defense.
As the situation develops, the success of the Iran nuclear deal offer may depend on Iran’s willingness to compromise on uranium enrichment. Both sides remain cautious but engaged, keeping open the possibility of a new chapter in U.S.-Iran relations.
