Iran to Submit Counterproposal for Nuclear Deal to US via Oman

Iran is poised to present a counterproposal regarding the nuclear deal with the United States, as announced by the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei stated during a press conference that Tehran is dissatisfied with the US proposal made during the fifth round of negotiations and will submit its own plan through the mediation of Oman. This development marks a significant shift, indicating Iran's unwillingness to accept the US's latest terms.

According to Baghaei, the US proposal does not adequately reflect the discussions held in prior negotiations, which have been ongoing since April 2025. He characterized the proposal as 'lacking elements' that were crucial in previous talks, particularly concerning the lifting of sanctions—a primary demand from Iran that has been heavily impacted by the economic repercussions of these sanctions. The Iranian government has repeatedly asserted its right to enrich uranium, which it describes as a nonnegotiable aspect of its sovereignty and nuclear ambitions.

The backdrop to this situation is the long-standing diplomatic standoff between Tehran and Washington, exacerbated by the US's withdrawal from the original nuclear agreement in 2018 under former President Donald Trump. Trump's administration has since enacted stringent sanctions as part of its 'maximum pressure' campaign against Iran, which has further complicated diplomatic efforts. In light of these tensions, Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has publicly dismissed the US proposal as detrimental to Iran's interests and has vowed to continue uranium enrichment on Iranian soil, a move that the West perceives as a potential gateway to nuclear weapons development.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the UN's nuclear watchdog, is set to convene a meeting from June 9 to June 13, 2025, in Vienna to discuss Iran's nuclear activities. This meeting follows a recent IAEA report criticizing Iran's cooperation, particularly regarding its failure to address concerns related to nuclear material found at undeclared sites. Iran has rejected the IAEA's findings, claiming they are biased and based on fabricated documents provided by Israel.

As the situation evolves, the timing of the sixth round of nuclear talks between Iran and the US remains uncertain. Given the complexities of the negotiations and the contrasting demands of both parties, future discussions will be critical in determining the trajectory of Iran's nuclear program and its relations with the United States and the international community at large.