✓ verbatim from the press
The United States and Iran issued contradictory accounts about the progress of nuclear negotiations on Monday (25th). A senior Trump administration official told CBS News that "the Iranians have in principle agreed to a deal that would include the disposal of highly enriched uranium," but Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei categorically denied at a press briefing that nuclear issues are being discussed in the memorandum of understanding under preparation. ✓
Press quotes (2)
"A senior Trump administration official told CBS News that the U.S. and Iran are working toward a finalized agreement. The Iranians have in principle agreed to a deal that would include the disposal of highly enriched uranium, the official said, and there is a broad commitment on principles."
"In his press briefing, Baghaei also said no nuclear issues, such as what to do with the Iranian stockpile of highly enriched uranium, would be tackled in the memorandum except for a commitment to negotiate in the next 60 days."
The negotiations involve US President Donald Trump and Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, with special envoy Steve Witkoff leading talks on the American side. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated in India that Iran agreed to "enter into a very real, significant, time-limited negotiation on the nuclear matter," and described progress on reopening the Strait of Hormuz as "a pretty solid thing on the table." ✓
Press quotes (2)
"On April 12, 2025, Iran and the United States began a series of negotiations aimed at reaching a nuclear peace agreement, following a letter from US president Donald Trump to Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei... The first round of high-level meetings was held in Oman on April 12, 2025, led by US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi."
"We have what I think is a pretty solid thing on the table in terms of their ability to open up the straits, get the straits open," he told reporters as he departed the Indian capital, where he has been on an official visit. "It has a lot of support in the Gulf. ... Every country that we've walked through it (with) understands it's not just very reasonable, but it's the right thing for the world to get done." Rubio also voiced confidence that Iran would "enter into a very real, significant, time-limited negotiation on the nuclear matter."
According to Baghaei, while there has been "significant progress on many issues," the memorandum of understanding would include only "a commitment to negotiate in the next 60 days" on nuclear matters, but would not address "what to do with the Iranian stockpile of highly enriched uranium." The Iranian position directly contradicts American statements that the country had agreed to dispose of its enriched uranium stockpile. ✓
Press quotes (1)
"In his press briefing, Baghaei also said no nuclear issues, such as what to do with the Iranian stockpile of highly enriched uranium, would be tackled in the memorandum except for a commitment to negotiate in the next 60 days."
The negotiations began in April 2025 following a letter from Trump to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, with the first round of high-level meetings held in Oman. Reports indicated on May 24 that the countries were nearing a broader peace agreement, with Trump stating that a memorandum of understanding was close to finalization and that the Strait of Hormuz could soon reopen under a ceasefire framework. ✓
Press quotes (1)
"On May 24, 2026, reports indicated that the United States and Iran were nearing a broader peace agreement following months of conflict and stalled negotiations. US President Donald Trump stated that a memorandum of understanding was close to finalisation and suggested that the Strait of Hormuz could soon reopen under a ceasefire framework."
Nuclear negotiations between US and Iran have been ongoing since April 2025
Covered by only some sources, or where the accounts diverge.
Covered by only some sources (1)
Steve Witkoff leads negotiations on the American side as special envoy
Conflicting versions (1)
Iranian agreement on enriched uranium disposal
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What is Iran's definitive official position on disposing of enriched uranium?
Why it's still unknown: Contradictory statements between American officials and the Iranian spokesperson leave open whether there was a preliminary agreement
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When will the memorandum of understanding mentioned by Trump be signed?
Why it's still unknown: Trump said it was close to finalization on May 24, but no specific date was disclosed
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What are the specific terms for reopening the Strait of Hormuz?
Why it's still unknown: Rubio mentioned 'solid' progress, but agreement details were not disclosed