Iran Nuclear Deal: Deadline Looms & Israel Threatens Action
Trump Administration Urges Iran to Accept nuclear program Restrictions
Updated June 12, 2025
With tensions escalating, the Trump administration is pressing Iran to agree to limitations on its nuclear program. this comes amid concerns that Israel may be preparing for a military strike. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with President Trump about diplomatic efforts, noting Trump expects a response from Iran soon.
Steve Witkoff, the president’s Mideast envoy, is scheduled to meet with Iranian officials in Oman for a sixth round of talks. While diplomatic efforts continue, U.S. officials suggest Israel might be planning imminent military action. When asked about a potential Israeli strike, President Trump said it “could very well happen.”
The U.S. has informed Israel it will not participate in any military strike against Iranian nuclear sites. Officials confirmed the U.S. will not provide military support,such as aerial refueling,should Israel attack.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported that Iran is not complying with nuclear non-proliferation obligations, a claim Iran disputes. Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi accused the UK, France, and Germany (the E3) of escalating tensions, warning of a strong Iranian reaction.
Following the IAEA report, Iran announced plans for a new enrichment facility and centrifuge replacements at its Fordow underground site. President Trump has stated he will not allow Iran to enrich uranium. The U.S. proposal, conveyed via Omani officials, seeks to prevent Iran from enriching nuclear fuel domestically, requiring them to procure it from external sources.
President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed Iran during a recent call. trump indicated Putin offered to participate in discussions with Iran, possibly aiding negotiations. Russia and Iran have formed a military alliance, with Russia using Iranian drones in Ukraine.
Russia could potentially supply nuclear fuel to Iran or store Iran’s enriched uranium, similar to its role under the 2015 JCPOA agreement. Oman has also proposed a regional consortium for uranium enrichment for civilian purposes, monitored by the IAEA and the U.S.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth testified before a Senate panel, stating there are indications Iran is moving towards developing nuclear weapons. Sen. Tom Cotton echoed this concern, stating Iran is actively pursuing a nuclear weapon.
U.S. intelligence suggests Iran halted its nuclear weapons program in 2003 but has continued enriching nuclear fuel at near-weapons-grade levels since 2018, making it a threshold nuclear state.
Netanyahu has long been skeptical of diplomatic efforts and advocates for U.S. support for Israeli military action,arguing Iran is vulnerable due to Israeli actions against Hezbollah and Hamas.
While refraining from sanctioning Russia to maintain diplomatic channels on Ukraine, the U.S. has sanctioned Iran amid nuclear program diplomacy.The Treasury Department recently sanctioned 30 individuals linked to Iranian money laundering schemes supporting nuclear and missile programs.
The IAEA reported that Iran is the only non-nuclear weapon state producing uranium enriched to 60%, a serious concern, as civilian use requires only 3% to 5% enrichment. Mark dubowitz, of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, stated that iran is violating the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
“Iran is a serial violator of the [Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty]stonewalling the IAEA on its past — and possibly ongoing — nuclear weaponization work.”
Dubowitz and other pro-Israel advocates argue Iran should not enrich uranium. The IAEA director general urged Iran to cooperate with inspections to ensure its nuclear program is peaceful.
Israel possesses an undeclared nuclear weapons program, with the IAEA lacking access to its Dimona facility. Israel maintains a strategic advantage as the only nuclear power in the Mideast.
What’s next
The coming days are critical as Iran considers the U.S. proposal. The potential for military action by Israel remains, while diplomatic efforts continue to seek a resolution to the ongoing nuclear program concerns.