Iran signals readiness for uranium enrichment talks and Strait of Hormuz concessions

The Iranian government has announced its openness to negotiating with the US regarding the levels and methods of uranium enrichment.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei stated on Wednesday that this subject is not new, noting, “We have always expressed our readiness for dialogue regarding the methods and levels of enrichment. However, Iran must possess the capability to enrich uranium in accordance with its needs.”

The statement was reported by the official Iranian news agency, IRNA. Baghaei noted that Iran’s nuclear program remains one of the primary points of contention in ongoing contacts with Washington and will continue to be addressed during negotiations.

Tehran has also placed maritime security options on its agenda. A source familiar with the Iranian government’s deliberations told Reuters that Iran could consider allowing the safe passage of civilian vessels through the Omani side of the Strait of Hormuz.

The same source stated that such a step is contingent upon the US agreeing to meet Iran’s demands and the establishment of an agreement that ensures no further attacks will originate from the US.

The source did not provide specific details regarding whether Iran would remove mines it may have placed in Omani waters, nor whether free passage would be granted to all vessels, including those with links to Israel.

Regarding the negotiating timeline, the parties are currently discussing the option of extending the duration of the existing ceasefire.

A source speaking to Bloomberg stated that an extension of the ceasefire, which was declared by President Donald Trump and is set to expire on April 21, is on the agenda for an additional two weeks.

The source added that technical-level discussions toward this end are ongoing, though Washington has not yet granted approval for the extension.

Separately, US officials speaking to Axios reported that some progress was made during contacts on Tuesday, and that the parties are approaching a “framework agreement to end the war” through the mediation of Pakistan, Egypt, and Türkiye.

“We want to reach an agreement,” a US administration official said. “A portion of the Iranian government also wants an agreement. The issue now is convincing the country’s entire leadership regarding the deal.”

However, US officials and sources familiar with the mediation process emphasized that a final agreement is not guaranteed, pointing to the depth of the differences between the parties.

Another US official evaluated the situation, stating, “The details are complex; this is not a process that will be concluded in two days.”

A new round of direct negotiations between the parties is expected to take place before the ceasefire period expires, although a specific schedule has not yet been announced.

A source familiar with the talks told Bloomberg that both Iran and the US are keen to avoid a resumption of hostilities.