Iran to reduce enriched uranium under US agreement to end regional war

The United States and Iran have unveiled the details of an agreement designed to end months of conflict in the Middle East and create a framework for broader negotiations over Tehran's nuclear programme.

The United States and Iran have unveiled the details of an agreement designed to end months of conflict in the Middle East and create a framework for broader negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear programme. Under the proposed deal, Iran has agreed to dilute its stockpile of enriched uranium while the United States will ease selected sanctions and support the release of a $300 billion reconstruction fund backed by regional countries once a final nuclear agreement is completed. The accord also allows Iran to resume oil exports immediately after it is formally signed, marking a significant step toward restoring its economy after years of sanctions and conflict. Officials from both countries released the text of the agreement as preparations continued for its expected signing in Switzerland.

US President Donald Trump said the agreement could be signed within days and warned that the United States would respond with overwhelming force if Iran failed to honour its commitments. Although the original plan called for senior negotiators to sign the document, Iranian officials later said they were considering a proposal for President Masoud Pezeshkian and Trump to sign it instead. The agreement serves as a starting point for a two month period of detailed negotiations focused on Iran’s nuclear activities and other outstanding issues. One of the first expected outcomes after the signing is the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route that carries a significant share of the world’s oil and natural gas supplies.

According to the agreement, Iran will reduce the concentration of its enriched uranium under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency. American officials described this commitment as one of the most important achievements of the negotiations, saying it represents a major step toward preventing the development of nuclear weapons. In return, Washington has agreed to facilitate economic recovery efforts by supporting access to a large reconstruction fund financed by regional partners. US officials stressed that the money would not come directly from the United States but would become available if both sides successfully conclude a final agreement at the end of the negotiation period. If that happens, all remaining sanctions on Iran are expected to be lifted.

The agreement has drawn sharply different reactions from political leaders across the region and beyond. Some critics in the United States argue that easing sanctions will strengthen Iran without permanently ending concerns over its nuclear ambitions. Others believe the deal provides the best opportunity to reduce tensions and avoid another costly conflict. China welcomed the agreement and urged all parties to honour their commitments, highlighting the importance of maintaining stability in the region. Meanwhile Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem praised the accord as a major success for Iran and said it would benefit Lebanon, where fighting intensified earlier this year after the group launched attacks against Israel in support of Tehran.

Although hopes for peace have improved, violence has not completely ended. Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon have continued despite the announcement of the agreement, with local reports saying several people have been killed in recent strikes. The Israeli military also reported that five of its soldiers were wounded after an explosive drone attack in southern Lebanon and said its forces intercepted several rockets fired toward troops operating in the area. Even with these incidents, diplomats believe the agreement offers the strongest opportunity in months to reduce regional tensions, restart negotiations and restore economic stability across the Middle East.