The Trump administration discussed easing sanctions and backing a $30 billion civilian nuclear energy plan for Iran in recent secret talks, CNN reported Thursday, citing four sources familiar with the matter.
Despite ongoing military exchanges between Iran and Israel, behind-the-scenes talks continued last week and into the ceasefire, the sources said.
A preliminary proposal includes US-led negotiations and foreign-backed investment in a non-enrichment Iranian nuclear program—so long as Tehran agrees to abandon uranium enrichment entirely.
One official stressed the money would not come from the United States, which prefers regional partners to cover the cost.
“The US is willing to lead these talks,” one Trump official told CNN.
“And someone is going to need to pay for the nuclear program to be built, but we will not make that commitment.”
At least some details were discussed during a closed-door White House meeting last Friday between US envoy Steve Witkoff and Persian Gulf partners, one day before American strikes on Iran.
