Iran Rejects U.S. Nuclear Deal Proposal, Signals Counter-Offer Amid Rising Tensions

 Tehran, June 10, 2025 – Iran has formally rejected a U.S. proposal for a new nuclear deal, labeling it "unacceptable" and announcing plans to submit a counter-proposal through Oman, the mediating nation, according to Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei. The decision follows five rounds of indirect talks since April, aimed at reviving a nuclear accord to replace the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which was abandoned by then-President Donald Trump in 2018.

The U.S. proposal, delivered last week, reportedly allowed Iran to continue limited low-level uranium enrichment for civilian purposes, such as nuclear medicine and power, in exchange for shutting down heavily fortified underground nuclear sites and halting new centrifuge development. However, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei dismissed the offer as contrary to Iran’s interests, emphasizing that uranium enrichment on Iranian soil is non-negotiable. “No enrichment, no deal,” Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reiterated, underscoring Tehran’s stance.

Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf criticized the U.S. proposal as “insincere,” pointing out its failure to address sanctions relief, a key demand for Tehran. The absence of clear commitments to lift economic sanctions, which have crippled Iran’s economy since their reimposition in 2018, has been a major sticking point.

President Donald Trump, who has revived his “maximum pressure” campaign of sanctions since returning to office in January, warned that Iran is “slow-walking” negotiations and set a two-month deadline for a deal, which is nearing its end. Trump hinted at military action if talks fail, stating, “If they enrich, then we’re going to have to do it the other way,” while emphasizing diplomacy as his preferred path.

Israel, a staunch opponent of Iran’s nuclear program, has signaled readiness to strike Iranian nuclear facilities if negotiations collapse, though it has assured the U.S. it will refrain from action while talks are ongoing.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has expressed concern over Iran’s limited cooperation, particularly regarding unexplained nuclear material at undeclared sites. Western nations are expected to push for a resolution at the IAEA’s Board of Governors, potentially escalating the issue to the U.N. Security Council.

As Iran prepares its counter-proposal, global powers, including Russia, have offered to mediate, with President Vladimir Putin reportedly discussing a role in negotiations with Trump. The outcome of these talks remains uncertain, with the risk of escalation looming over the region.