US and Iran Negotiate $20 Billion Deal for Uranium Stockpile

The United States and Iran are negotiating a three-page framework agreement to end the military conflict that began in late February, with a central provision linking the release of $20 billion in frozen Iranian assets to Tehran’s surrender of its enriched uranium stockpile, according to U.S. Officials and sources briefed on the talks.

The proposal, under consideration as of April 17, 2026, represents a compromise between earlier positions, with Washington previously indicating readiness to release $6 billion for restricted humanitarian use, while Iran had sought access to $27 billion in frozen funds. The latest number discussed by the two sides is $20 billion, described by one U.S. Official as a U.S. Proposal and by another as “one of many discussions” in the negotiations.

Uranium Stockpile and Handling Mechanism

A primary objective for the United States is securing and neutralizing Iran’s existing stockpile of nearly 2,000 kilograms of enriched uranium, including approximately 450 kilograms enriched to 60 percent purity. The material is currently stored in underground nuclear facilities. Negotiators are working to finalize a technical framework for handling the stockpile.

Initial U.S. Proposals required the complete transfer of all enriched uranium outside Iran. Iranian officials, however, proposed domestic dilution of the material. A compromise under review would ship a portion of the highly enriched uranium to a third country while down-blending the remainder within Iran under strict international monitoring.

Under the draft terms, Iran would be required to permanently close all underground nuclear facilities. The country would be permitted to operate only above-ground nuclear research reactors, limited strictly to the production of medical isotopes. The framework also includes a formal Iranian commitment not to produce or pursue nuclear weapons.

Negotiation Details and Mediators

The talks are being mediated by Pakistan, with behind-the-scenes support from Egypt and Turkey. President Trump said on Thursday that U.S. And Iranian negotiators would likely meet this weekend for a second round of talks to try to seal the deal, with the meetings expected to take place in Islamabad, likely on Sunday, according to a source familiar with the mediation efforts.

Trump told reporters that Iran had agreed during the negotiations to commit to “a very, very powerful statement… That they will not have nuclear weapons.” He also said Iran agreed to give the U.S. “the nuclear dust,” referring to the enriched uranium stockpile, and added: “We are very close to making a deal. If no deal, fire resumes.” Trump made clear he was willing to extend the ceasefire beyond its April 21 expiration if needed.

Additional Terms and Outstanding Issues

The three-page memorandum of understanding (MOU) under negotiation also includes a “voluntary” moratorium on nuclear enrichment by Iran. The U.S. Demanded in the last round of talks that Iran agree to a 20-year moratorium. Iran countered with five years. The mediators are still trying to close the gap.

As part of the MOU, Iran would be allowed to have nuclear research reactors for the production of medical isotopes, but would pledge that all of its nuclear facilities would be above ground. The existing underground facilities would remain out of commission.

The MOU also deals with the Strait of Hormuz, though sources said there are still significant gaps on that issue. It’s unclear if the MOU refers to Iran’s ballistic missiles and its support for regional proxies, topics that Israel and Republican hawks in Washington have previously demanded be on the table in any negotiations with Iran.

Republicans and Trump himself have lambasted President Obama for releasing tens of billions in Iranian funds under the 2015 nuclear deal. The Trump administration may insist on limiting how the unfrozen assets can be used.

Reactions and Statements

One U.S. Official said: “Iran has moved. But not far enough. What it takes to make them move forward, we will see.” The same official added: “Iran clearly wants the $20 billion — and a lot more. They clearly want to sell oil at free-market rates without sanctions. They want to participate in the global financial system. But they also want to have this nuclear weapons program. They want to fund terrorists like Hamas. And they don’t want to give that up enough to get the things we’re offering.”

White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said talks had been “productive” but the U.S. Would “not negotiate through the press,” adding: “Anonymous sources who claim to know about sensitive diplomatic discussions have no idea what they are talking about.”

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) told Fox News that Trump had negotiated spoken directly with the Iranians and that things got “sporty” on a recent call.

What to Watch

On Friday, the Pakistani, Egyptian and Turkish mediators will hold a meeting a “quad” meeting with Saudi officials on the sidelines of a diplomatic forum in Turkey. The meeting will focus on the efforts to broker a deal between the U.S. And Iran.