Washington and Tehran are discussing a three-page ceasefire plan under which the United States would unfreeze around $20 billion in Iranian assets in exchange for Iran’s enriched uranium, according to sources cited by Axios.
Negotiations over this exchange, uranium for frozen assets, have been ongoing for some time, but the positions of both sides have recently moved closer. Until now, the United States had been willing to release only $6 billion, intended for humanitarian purchases such as food and medicine. Iran, for its part, had demanded $27 billion.
According to one source, the $20 billion figure was proposed by Washington. Another source said the idea of exchanging assets for uranium is “just one of several options under discussion” to end the conflict.
Previously, Washington had also demanded that Tehran transfer all of its nuclear material to the United States. Iran rejected this demand and agreed only to dilute its uranium and reduce enrichment levels on its own territory.
The compromise currently under consideration предусматривает that part of the highly enriched uranium would be sent to a third country, while another portion would be diluted in Iran under international supervision.
The plan also includes a voluntary moratorium on uranium enrichment. During this period, Iran would be allowed to continue nuclear research activities, including the production of medical isotopes, but only in above-ground facilities.
Washington is pushing for a 20-year moratorium, while Tehran is insisting on a five-year limit. Mediators are still trying to bridge this gap.
The document also mentions the Strait of Hormuz, though without specifying the context. According to sources, significant disagreements remain on this issue. It is also unclear whether the text addresses Iran’s ballistic missile program or its support for regional allied groups.
Donald Trump said that U.S. and Iranian negotiators could meet on April 18–19 for a second round of talks. According to Axios, the meeting may take place in Islamabad on April 19.
The first round of negotiations, held on April 11–12, ended without results.
