uranium enrichment

U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters the naval blockade on Iran will continue and vowed to stop Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. He predicted Iran’s economy would collapse and said the U.S. expects to receive 60% enriched uranium; Pete Hegseth said escalation plans are ready, while Iran warned it could go to 90% enrichment.

Pakistani officials say a major breakthrough is paving the way for a U.S.-Iran agreement: Tehran would freeze uranium enrichment for 12 years while Washington lifts most economic sanctions.

Tehran lays out a three-stage plan: mutual U.S.–Iran non-aggression that also covers Iran’s allies and Israel, an international mechanism to prevent renewed fighting, a 15-year pause on enrichment followed by a 3.6% cap under zero stockpiling, and region-wide security talks—while refusing to dismantle nuclear infrastructure or destroy facilities.

Nuclear negotiations between the U.S. and Iran are expected to restart this Thursday, even as major gaps remain. Vice President J.D. Vance on the last round: "The ball is in their court. We were clear: the enriched uranium has to be removed from Iran."