US President Donald Trump announced on April 13 that Iran has agreed to cease its pursuit of nuclear weapons, describing this development as a significant breakthrough in ongoing negotiations. “The big thing we have to do is ensure that Iran does not have a nuclear weapon,” Trump stated. He emphasized the agreement, asserting, “They’ve agreed to that… very powerfully.” Additionally, he claimed that Iran would return enriched uranium that had been buried deep underground as a result of recent U.S. military strikes. “They’ve agreed to give us back the nuclear dust that’s way underground because of the attack we made with the B-2 bombers,” Trump said. “So we have a lot of agreement with Iran.”
Following his remarks, Trump conveyed optimism regarding the negotiation process, indicating that the likelihood of a deal is “looking very good,” with momentum building swiftly. He added, “I don’t think we’re waiting. I think we’re moving very fast. It could happen pretty quickly.” Trump suggested that formal talks could resume as early as the weekend, maintaining that an agreement would be beneficial and expeditious.
However, Iranian officials have not publicly confirmed their acceptance of the reported terms. As the 14-day ceasefire nears its expiration on April 22, Trump hinted at a willingness to extend the deadline if negotiations progress favorably. “If we’re close to a deal… yeah, I would do that,” he responded when questioned about the potential for an extension.
In the backdrop of these diplomatic efforts, Trump acknowledged the significant role played by Pakistan in facilitating dialogue, expressing appreciation for both the military and governmental leaders in Islamabad. He noted that he might visit Pakistan if a deal is finalized, saying, “If the deal is signed in Islamabad, I might go… they want me.”
Despite the thrust towards diplomacy, military pressure continues as the U.S. maintains its naval blockade on Iranian-linked shipping. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned that military operations could resume if talks collapse. “We’d prefer to do it the nice way… or we can do it the hard way,” Hegseth stated, underscoring the precarious balance between negotiation and military readiness.
The regional situation remains complex, with ongoing conflicts, including fighting involving Hezbollah in Lebanon, complicating the diplomatic landscape. The U.S. announced a separate 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, with high-level officials, including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, tasked with pursuing lasting peace in the region.
As diplomatic talks unfold, the focus remains on maintaining momentum and ensuring that the developments lead to a stable and secure outcome. The international community is keenly watching this situation, hoping for a resolution that addresses both nuclear proliferation concerns and broader regional stability.
Original Source: https://www.livemint.com/news/us-news/trump-claims-iran-agreed-to-abandon-nuclear-weapons-return-enriched-uranium-11776366929925.html
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Publish Date: 2026-04-17 00:55:00
