The Trump administration has made a broad $30 billion offer to Iran to revive nuclear talks. This is following the 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel over the alleged nuclear weapons program of Tehran.
The offer involves relaxing sanctions, unfreezing billions of Iranian money, and creating a new civilian nuclear program—without uranium enrichment. Four sources confirmed this fresh diplomatic initiative, despite recent US-led airstrikes on Fordow Iran facility.
Civil Nuclear Investment
The US has suggested creating a civilian nuclear program for Iran worth about $20–$30 billion, officials close to the talks say. The program would be dedicated exclusively to producing energy. It would not have any capacity for uranium enrichment—a requirement the Trump administration has demanded as non-negotiable. Iran has consistently asserted that uranium enrichment is crucial for its sovereignty and energy independence.
A government official explained that the money will not directly be provided by the US. The administration, instead, hopes that Gulf allies, probably Saudi Arabia and the UAE, will pay for the new nuclear facilities. The list includes the replacement of the Fordow site, which was recently destroyed by US bunker-buster bombs in the Israel-Iran war.
Sanctions Relief and Frozen Funds
Aside from the nuclear energy proposal, the US has tested the waters on lifting sanctions. A principal element is the freeing of almost $6 billion in Iranian funds now frozen abroad.
The Trump administration is hoping that this economic inducement will bring Iran back to the negotiating table. Negotiations have been underway for two weeks through US and Middle Eastern intermediaries despite military tensions between Iran and Israel.
Creative Diplomacy Amid Conflict
One of the officials said there are various ideas being considered. “There are a lot of ideas being batted around by different folks, and a lot of them are attempting to be creative,” the official said.
The Trump administration has positioned itself as poised to spearhead the next round of nuclear negotiations, but insists on strict constraints. Zero enrichment is still their bottom line. Now, it remains to be seen whether Tehran will bite. The offer may be costly—but so is the alternative.
