Washington D.C., June 25 — U.S. President Donald Trump signaled on Wednesday that the United States and Iran could sign a nuclear agreement during high-level talks scheduled for next week. However, he maintained that reaching a formal deal “is not necessary” as long as Tehran halts its nuclear ambitions.
Trump’s remarks came just a day after his administration brokered a ceasefire between Iran and Israel, halting nearly two weeks of escalating conflict. “The way I see it, the war is over,” Trump said, referring to the Israel-Iran conflict. “I could get a statement from Iran that they won’t go nuclear—we’re probably going to ask for that. But I don’t think a signed agreement is necessary,” he told reporters during a NATO summit in the Netherlands.
Tensions Simmer Despite Diplomacy
The tone from Tehran has remained defiant. Just two days prior, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei condemned the U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, accusing Washington of betraying diplomacy. He suggested there was no path forward for dialogue with the U.S., casting doubt on whether the upcoming negotiations will bear fruit.
Yet, Trump appeared undeterred. “We’re talking next week. It may even lead to an agreement. Maybe,” he said, adding that Iran’s leadership was aware of the consequences of pursuing nuclear weapons.
Mixed Signals from U.S. Intelligence
President Trump reiterated that recent U.S. airstrikes had dealt a “crushing blow” to Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. The strikes, executed by B-2 bombers, targeted major sites at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, using precision bunker-buster bombs.
However, a classified intelligence assessment, leaked earlier this week, painted a more restrained picture, estimating that Iran’s nuclear program had only been set back by a few months. Trump dismissed the report, calling it premature.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also downplayed the findings, describing them as “low confidence” and preliminary in nature. “These assessments do not capture the full strategic impact of our operations,” he claimed during a press briefing.
Hunt for Missing Uranium Raises Global Alarm
In a potentially alarming development, U.S. and Israeli intelligence agencies are now searching for more than 400 kg of enriched uranium that reportedly went missing before the airstrikes. The missing material, enriched up to 60%, is a short step away from weapons-grade status and could yield at least 10 nuclear warheads if further processed.
Satellite imagery and intelligence reports suggest that Iran may have secretly relocated the uranium stockpile, along with vital equipment, shortly before the U.S. attacks. While suspicions mount, senior members of the Trump administration, including Vice President JD Vance, have privately admitted that the uranium’s whereabouts remain unknown.
Iran Vows to Restart Nuclear Program
Despite the destruction caused by the bombings, Iran has signaled its intent to continue its nuclear development. Mohammad Eslami, head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, said during a televised address that Tehran had already taken steps to resume operations at damaged sites.
“Our teams are assessing the extent of the damage, but plans for restarting enrichment activities were prepared in advance,” Eslami said. “Our goal is to maintain uninterrupted progress.”
This statement reflects Iran’s continued resistance to foreign pressure and its resolve to advance its nuclear capabilities, even as diplomacy gains momentum.
Talks Set for Next Week
Trump confirmed that discussions between American and Iranian officials will begin next week, although he did not reveal the specific location or delegation members. He suggested that a new agreement could be drafted and potentially signed, but emphasized that preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear bomb remains the only non-negotiable outcome.
“Iran can’t have a nuclear weapon. Beyond that, we want them to succeed. We’ll help them. We’ll trade with them. We’ll do whatever’s necessary,” Trump said, hinting at a more conciliatory approach to future U.S.-Iran relations.
Sanctions Relief in Sight?
In another unexpected turn, Trump suggested this week that China could resume oil purchases from Iran, signaling a possible softening of sanctions that have crippled the Iranian economy for years. Though he didn’t elaborate on whether the relaxation would be formalized, the statement adds weight to speculation that Washington might ease economic pressure in exchange for nuclear restraint.
The remarks suggest a strategic recalibration by the White House—one that could see diplomatic engagement take precedence over military confrontation, even in the face of unresolved tensions.
As preparations begin for next week’s talks, the world watches closely to see whether the fragile ceasefire and uncertain diplomatic window will lead to a breakthrough—or merely another pause in decades of animosity.
