US President Donald Trump has claimed that Iran has agreed to hand over its stockpile of enriched uranium, saying both sides are “close” to reaching a peace deal aimed at ending the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Trump said negotiations with Tehran were progressing, while warning that the United States could resume airstrikes and impose a naval blockade if Iran rejected the proposed agreement. The conflict reportedly began on February 28, escalating tensions across the region.
At the same time, Trump announced that Israel and Lebanon had agreed to a 10-day ceasefire, with expectations that their leaders could meet at the White House in the coming days. Lebanese Hezbollah lawmaker Ibrahim al-Moussawi said the group would respect the truce if Israeli strikes stopped.
Both the Lebanese and Israeli governments welcomed the temporary ceasefire, which comes amid wider diplomatic efforts involving the United States, Iran, and regional intermediaries such as Pakistan.
Iranian state media reported that Pakistan’s army chief Asim Munir met Iranian officials during ongoing discussions aimed at advancing negotiations with Washington. Iranian representatives have described the talks as “cautiously optimistic”.
However, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth warned that further escalation could lead to intensified military action, including strikes on Iranian infrastructure and energy facilities if a deal is not reached.
Trump also stated that Iran had agreed to return what he described as “nuclear dust,” referring to enriched uranium stockpiles, though he insisted that any final agreement must permanently prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. He added that a visit to Pakistan to sign a potential deal was being considered.
The United States maintains that Iran must halt its uranium enrichment programme long term, while Tehran has argued that its nuclear activities are for civilian purposes and that its right to enrich uranium is “indisputable,” although open to negotiation on levels.
Meanwhile, tensions remain high in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route, where US forces claim to have disrupted Iranian maritime activity. Washington has also imposed fresh sanctions targeting Iran’s oil sector, further tightening economic pressure.
Iranian military officials have warned of possible retaliation if US forces continue operations in the region, including threats to block or attack vessels in key waterways if hostilities escalate further.
