US President Donald Trump on Thursday claimed that Iran has agreed to hand over its enriched uranium stockpile, indicating that Washington and Tehran may be nearing a peace agreement. 

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said that Iran would return what he called “nuclear dust”, referring to highly enriched uranium that the US believes could be used to develop nuclear weapons. He also claimed that Iran had agreed to give up uranium reserves stored deep underground. 

“Iran does not have a nuclear weapon, and they’ve agreed to that. Iran has agreed to that, and they’ve agreed to it very powerfully. They’ve agreed to give us back the nuclear dust that’s way underground because of the attack we made with the B-2 bombers,” Trump said. 

On the broader negotiations, he added, “We have a lot of agreement with Iran, and something very positive and important will happen.” He also suggested that a deal could ensure smooth oil flows and stability in the Strait of Hormuz, adding that “everything will be nice”. 

Relations improving despite tensions 

Despite recent tensions, Trump said ties between the US and Iran have improved. He credited this to weeks of military pressure and a strong blockade. 

“We have a very good relationship with Iran right now, as hard as it is to believe", said the US President. 

He also indicated that the next round of discussions could take place as early as this weekend, pointing to ongoing momentum in talks. Trump added that he may visit Islamabad if an agreement is finalised there. On the same day, he also announced that Israel and Lebanon had agreed to a ceasefire. 

Talks in Islamabad end without a breakthrough 

However, recent direct talks between the US and Iran did not result in a final agreement. Negotiations held in Islamabad on Sunday lasted over 21 hours but ended without a breakthrough. The talks were facilitated by Pakistan. 

The main point of disagreement remained Iran’s nuclear programme, especially uranium enrichment. The discussions were led by US Vice President J.D. Vance but collapsed after Iran refused to give up its nuclear activities, while Tehran described the US demands as “excessive.”