The administration of President Donald Trump is reportedly preparing a proposal aimed at reviving negotiations with Iran following the recent military escalation with Israel. According to sources cited by CNN, the plan would involve a support package worth up to $30 billion (around €26.4 billion) to help Tehran develop a nuclear program for exclusively civilian purposes.
The initiative, which would not be directly funded by the United States, would instead rely on financial backing from Gulf Arab countries, according to those familiar with the matter. The project is seen as a diplomatic pathway to bring Iran back to the negotiating table amid heightened regional tensions.
A non-negotiable pillar of the proposal is that Iran would be prohibited from enriching uranium on its own soil— a condition Tehran has consistently rejected, arguing that enrichment is necessary for its civil energy needs. As an alternative, Washington has suggested that Iran import enriched nuclear fuel from abroad, following a model similar to that of the United Arab Emirates.
Despite a ceasefire agreement reached this week, both direct and indirect talks between the U.S. and Iran have continued, sources confirmed. Some of the more sensitive details were discussed during a secret meeting last Friday at the White House between U.S. envoy Steve Witthoff and Gulf Arab partners. The meeting took place just one day before the U.S. launched strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
Among the key elements discussed was a potential investment ranging from €17 billion to €26 billion to support the development of a non-enrichment civil nuclear program in Iran. Other proposed incentives include granting Iran access to approximately $6 billion (€5.28 billion) in frozen assets held in foreign banks, as well as the potential easing of certain economic sanctions.
Another proposal presented last week involves U.S. Gulf allies funding the reconstruction of Iran’s Fordow nuclear facilities—which were targeted in recent U.S. strikes—turning them into a site solely for civilian nuclear energy production. One source described the ongoing talks as a “brainstorming session,” adding, “everyone is trying to get creative.” However, another source familiar with previous negotiation rounds warned that the outcome remains uncertain.
“The United States is willing to lead these talks with Iran, and someone will have to pay for the construction of the nuclear program—but it won’t be us,” a senior Trump administration official told CNN. Meanwhile, envoy Steve Witthoff told NBC News that there are “indications” a deal could be within reach, noting that “multiple conversations are taking place with the Iranians through various intermediaries, and I believe they’re ready.”
President Trump said on Wednesday that he might meet with Iranian representatives next week. However, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmail Baghaei, said he had no knowledge of any scheduled meeting, while others involved in the planning indicated that details are still under discussion.
For his part, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that any potential agreement hinges on Tehran’s willingness to negotiate directly with Washington. “We seek peaceful relations with all countries around the world,” he stated, “but we need a partner willing to engage face-to-face.”
