US Signals Quick Iran Deal Possible If New Government Abandons Nuclear Weapons Ambitions

Senior officials in the administration of US President Donald Trump have indicated that Washington could move swiftly to strike a diplomatic agreement with Iran if a new government takes power in Tehran and abandons nuclear weapons ambitions, ballistic missile threats and support for militant proxy groups.

According to two senior officials familiar with the administration’s current thinking, the United States would be willing to offer sanctions relief and economic engagement if a future Iranian leadership integrates into the regional security framework and complies with stringent nuclear restrictions. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity.

“The door will be wide open if a new government comes in and says we’re ready to get along with everyone in the region and follow the simple criteria that most normal countries follow,” a Senior Trump Administration Official said.

The official said those criteria include ending support for proxy groups across the Middle East, halting missile threats against neighbouring states and ensuring Iran’s nuclear programme remains strictly civilian.

“If a new government comes in and says we’re ready to get along with everyone in the region and follow the simple criteria that most normal countries follow, then the administration will be ready to engage and do a very quick deal,” the official said.

The remarks offer insight into Washington’s approach to Iran’s political future as tensions rise following US military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.

The official stressed that preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons remains a priority, while leaving open the possibility of diplomacy if Tehran changes course.

“We are working on what a sanctions relief package could be in the future if there is a framework agreed to with a new government that actually lives by all of those different standards,” the official said.

Dispute Over Iran’s Nuclear Enrichment Programme

Officials said Washington had repeatedly offered Iran opportunities to pursue a civilian nuclear programme with international oversight, including supplying nuclear fuel for civilian reactors if Tehran halted domestic enrichment. They argued that Iran’s refusal to accept the proposal heightened concerns about preserving enrichment capacity.

“They basically offered us a lot of political wins and some concessions, but they were unwilling to give up the building blocks of what they needed to preserve in order to get to a bomb,” the official said.

Iran maintains its nuclear programme is peaceful, while Western governments accuse it of seeking weapons capability.

Also Read: 4.3 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Iran’s Gerash Region As Military Tensions Escalate