WASHINGTON: The Trump administration is quietly pushing a plan that could unlock up to $30 billion in investment to help Iran develop a civilian nuclear energy program, according to four sources familiar with the matter. The proposal, which would also ease sanctions and unfreeze billions of dollars in Iranian assets, comes despite recent escalations between Iran and Israel.
Behind closed doors, U.S. officials have engaged in indirect talks with Iranian representatives over the past two weeks, facilitated by regional partners even as military tensions flared. These discussions have continued following the recent announcement of a ceasefire agreement.
Sources say several versions of a draft proposal have been presented, but all include one non-negotiable requirement: Iran must agree to stop enriching uranium. A version of the proposal seen by CNN offers Iran a variety of incentives in exchange for this concession.
According to people briefed on a confidential White House meeting last Friday—attended by U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and representatives from Gulf nations—the proposal includes an estimated $20–30 billion in investment for a civilian nuclear energy program that excludes enrichment capabilities. The funding would come primarily from Gulf allies, not the United States.
One official involved said, “We are willing to lead discussions, but we are not pledging U.S. funds.” In addition to investment, other incentives under discussion include limited sanctions relief and access to approximately $6 billion currently held in foreign banks but blocked by U.S. sanctions.
Another concept floated in recent talks involves replacing Iran’s Fordow nuclear facility—which was reportedly damaged in recent U.S. airstrikes—with a new civilian facility under the proposed program. However, key details such as who would control the new plant remain unresolved.
“There’s a lot of brainstorming going on,” one source said. “Nothing is certain yet.” A U.S. official involved in earlier rounds of negotiations also expressed caution: “The outcome is very much up in the air.”
Speaking with CNBC on Wednesday, Witkoff said the administration is aiming for a “comprehensive peace agreement.” U.S. officials maintain that all aspects of the proposal are designed to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.
The U.S. envisions a model similar to the United Arab Emirates’ nuclear energy program, where nuclear fuel is imported rather than produced domestically. Witkoff said, “The goal is to help them build a better, safer civilian nuclear program that can’t be weaponized.”
The administration is preparing to formally present the terms to Tehran. While President Trump claimed on Wednesday that direct talks with Iran would happen “next week,” Iranian officials have denied any knowledge of such plans, and those organizing the meetings say no date has been confirmed.
Though Witkoff has been intensively engaged in backchannel diplomacy, Trump has publicly downplayed the urgency of a new deal. “I don’t care if there’s an agreement or not,” he said this week. However, his advisers believe that a long-term accord could help solidify the fragile ceasefire.
The proposals discussed by Witkoff and Gulf officials continue to be relayed to Iran through regional intermediaries, especially Qatar, which played a key role in brokering the ceasefire and will help ensure it holds.
U.S. officials believe recent developments may have made Iran more receptive to negotiations. Still, some analysts warn that Tehran could respond by doubling down on its nuclear ambitions. Earlier this week, Iran’s parliament passed legislation terminating cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog, which may signal efforts to hide aspects of its program.
Prior to the latest escalation, U.S. and Iranian officials held five rounds of negotiations, with plans for a sixth round in Oman. However, that meeting was canceled after Israeli strikes on Iranian targets.
Just before launching U.S. airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear sites last Saturday, Washington sent a message via intermediaries indicating the strikes would be limited and reiterated its central demand: no uranium enrichment.
At a NATO summit this week, Trump said, “We might sign an agreement, maybe just a statement that they won’t go nuclear.” He reaffirmed that any deal must include the same condition the U.S. has long insisted on: Iran must give up its nuclear weapons ambitions.
Secretary of State and National Security Adviser Marco Rubio said Wednesday that Iran must engage in direct negotiations with Washington if there is to be any agreement. Speaking in The Hague, he said, “We seek peaceful relations with all nations—but that depends on Iran’s willingness to deal directly and constructively.”
