Nuclear Program
Coverage of Nuclear Program in the Nexus archive.
- The 60-day deadline for an Iran peace deal is expiring. Here’s where things stand
The deadline for a 60-day agreement concerning Iran is expiring. This potential deal aims to end the conflict referenced as the Iran war and resolve the dispute related to its nuclear program.
- Trump climbs down on Iran strikes in expectation of ‘rapidly’ reaching a deal
US President Donald Trump canceled planned military strikes against Iran, citing expectations of a rapid deal on its nuclear program and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. He also stated the pause was in response to requests from Iran and other regional countries.
- Nides Says Iran War Needs Negotiations
Former US Ambassador to Israel Tom Nides argues that military solutions cannot resolve the conflict with Iran, advocating for renewed negotiations with regional allies to address Iran's nuclear program and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. He also notes that regime change in Iran is impractical and highlights Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's growing domestic political pressure due to the unresolved conflict.
- Trump Pauses Iran Strikes as Talks Resume
President Trump is pausing planned military action against Iran to allow negotiations over the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's nuclear program, while warning the pause depends on reaching a deal quickly. The article notes Israel's caution, Gulf states pursuing independent security strategies, and potential regional power shifts from a Hormuz agreement amid ongoing Gaza and Lebanon conflicts.
- Trump and Netanyahu explored all Iran options including attack, Israeli official says
U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed all possible options to curb Iran's nuclear program, including diplomacy, economic pressure, and force, according to a senior Israeli official. Netanyahu did not indicate a preference for further attacks on Iran during the meeting.
- Why Iran's Pickaxe Mountain is a tough target for the US
Donald Trump has threatened to attack a suspected Iranian nuclear site buried under Pickaxe Mountain. Iran's Pickaxe Mountain remains a major unresolved question regarding the country's nuclear program.
- Trump says Saudi nuclear pact requires kingdom to normalize Israel relations through Abraham Accords
President Donald Trump claims a nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia for a civilian nuclear program requires the kingdom to normalize relations with Israel through the Abraham Accords. The statement links the nuclear pact to Israel-Saudi normalization under the Abraham Accords framework.
- Critics say U.S.-Saudi nuclear deal could fuel proliferation
The U.S. and Saudi Arabia announced a deal allowing Saudi Arabia to develop a civilian nuclear program using American technology, potentially including uranium enrichment. Critics warn the agreement could increase nuclear proliferation risks.
- US unveils civilian nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia
The US and Saudi Arabia announced a civilian nuclear program deal with non-proliferation safeguards. The agreement occurs amid US-Iran tensions over Iran's nuclear program, which is a key issue in stalled peace talks under President Trump.
- US announces civilian nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia
The United States and Saudi Arabia announced a civilian nuclear program agreement with non-proliferation safeguards. The US previously signed a similar deal with the United Arab Emirates in 2009, which does not enrich uranium.
- Inside Israel’s Secret Operation to Cultivate Ahmadinejad
Israel conducted a secret operation to cultivate Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. The article notes his role in advancing Iran's nuclear program and holding anti-Israel views.
- Going Over the Brink: How Hizballah’s Risk Strategy Made Lebanon Impossible to Ignore
The U.S.-Iran framework agreement included a commitment to end military operations in Lebanon, despite ongoing Israel-Hizballah conflict under a nominal ceasefire since April 16. The deal also addressed the Strait of Hormuz reopening and Iran’s nuclear program.
- Iran slams Nato talks on navigating Hormuz Strait as 'politically motivated'
Iran criticizes NATO discussions on freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz as 'baseless and politically motivated,' denying allegations against its nuclear program and maritime conduct. It accuses the United States and Israel of destabilizing the region and bombing diplomatic negotiations, while asserting its role in ensuring regional security.
- New attacks raise questions about what comes next in the Iran war
President Trump claims the ceasefire with Iran is over and approves new military strikes targeting Iran's ability to threaten shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Mediation efforts by Pakistan, Qatar, Egypt, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia aim to salvage the interim deal amid rising tensions and conflicting accusations between the U.S. and Iran over compliance with the agreement.
- New attacks raise questions about what comes next in the Iran war
President Donald Trump states the ceasefire with Iran is over and approves new military strikes, creating uncertainty about the conflict's future. Mediators including Pakistan, Qatar, Egypt, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia are working to salvage an interim deal amid tensions over the Strait of Hormuz and nuclear program discussions.
- New attacks raise questions about what comes next in the Iran war
President Trump claims the ceasefire with Iran is over and approves new military strikes targeting Iran's ability to threaten shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Mediators including Pakistan, Qatar, Egypt, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia are working to salvage the interim deal amid rising tensions over nuclear program negotiations and attacks on oil/gas ships.
- Iran’s ‘golden weapon’ of Strait of Hormuz became a greater priority than its nuclear program — here’s how
Iran has shifted focus to the Strait of Hormuz as a strategic priority over its nuclear program. Ebrahim Azizi, a member of Iran's parliament security committee, urged the US to recognize this new order in the strait.
- Trump Claims Military Success Against Iran, Condemns Communism in July 4 Speech
During his July 4 address, US President Donald Trump claimed the US has 'destroyed' the armed forces of Iran and Venezuela. The statements followed recent assertions by US Vice President JD Vance that Iran's nuclear program is 'functionally destroyed' amid a 60-day ceasefire memorandum. Trump also criticized communism after democratic socialist candidates' primary victories.
- Can inspectors return to Iran's nuclear sites?
The UN nuclear watchdog states inspections of Iran's nuclear program are possible in principle, but it remains unclear whether Iran will grant meaningful access to inspectors.
- Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who led Iran with iron fist while confronting the US, will be buried
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's supreme leader, was buried after leading the country for over three decades, expanding its regional influence and escalating conflicts with the U.S. and Israel. His funeral began months after his death, which occurred at the start of the U.S.-Israeli war in Iran.
- Iran says this. The U.S. says that. A look at the trickiest issues in the unresolved conflict
The U.S. and Iran face a mid-August deadline to finalize a permanent peace deal but remain divided over an interim agreement. Key issues include control of the Strait of Hormuz, Iran's nuclear program, and ongoing military tensions. Both sides have conflicting statements about upcoming negotiations, with the U.S. claiming a meeting is scheduled in Doha while Iran denies any planned talks.
- Iran deal Trump trashed looks a lot like the one he’s signing
US Vice President JD Vance announced that Iran has agreed to allow UN nuclear inspectors back into the country, calling it a step toward ending Iran's nuclear program. Iran's foreign ministry disputed this claim, and the framework is being negotiated through Pakistan.
- Live updates: Zohran Mamdani, Bill Cassidy hit Sunday shows; US-Iran ceasefire tested by fresh strikes
The U.S. and Iran have exchanged attacks this weekend, endangering their 60-day ceasefire and negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program. Iran launched drone and missile attacks targeting Bahrain and Kuwait, U.S. allies in the Persian Gulf, following U.S. strikes on Iranian targets.
- Vance defends Iran strategy amid peace negotiations: ‘America wins either way’
Vice President Vance defended the administration’s Iran strategy, asserting that the U.S. will benefit regardless of whether peace negotiations with Iran result in a deal. He stated that a deal would be favorable, but without one, Iran's nuclear program remains destroyed and the country weaker.
- JD Vance claims US holds all the cards in Iran and will win ‘either way’
US Vice President JD Vance claimed the US will win 'either way' in negotiations with Iran, citing the destruction of its nuclear program and Iran's weakened state. He made these remarks on Bill Maher's show hours before military strikes in the Strait of Hormuz.
- JD Vance claims US holds all the cards in Iran and will win ‘either way’
US vice-president JD Vance claimed the US will win 'either way' in negotiations with Iran, stating that even without a final deal, Iran's nuclear program is destroyed and the country is weaker. The remarks were made hours before more military strikes were exchanged in the Strait of Hormuz.
- Tehran rejects US-GCC statement citing 'Iran's threats' as 'interventionist, provocative'
Iran condemned a joint US-GCC statement, calling it 'interventionist, irresponsible, and provocative.' Tehran accused the US of undermining regional security through military actions and criticized the GCC for aligning with Washington and Israel. Iran also rejected accusations about its nuclear program and called for a nuclear weapons-free zone in West Asia.
- Iran deal grants access to nuclear inspectors, IAEA chief says
The U.S.-Iran interim peace accord allows U.N. nuclear inspectors access to Iran, according to the IAEA chief. However, Iran's deputy foreign minister stated key sites would remain off-limits until a final deal with the U.S. is reached and sanctions are lifted. The agreement includes 60 days of talks to resolve issues related to Iran's nuclear program.
- IAEA chief says Iran inspections will go ahead, working on modalities
The IAEA will conduct inspections in Iran following an interim peace accord between the United States and Iran, though details remain unresolved. A 14-point memorandum of understanding outlines agreements to end the conflict, with 60 days of talks planned to address issues including Iran's nuclear program.
- Trump rips NY Times as corrupt cowards – for reporting the same thing everyone else is about the Iran war
President Trump criticizes The New York Times for reporting that U.S. and Israeli officials regard Iran's nuclear threats as unresolved, calling the outlet 'corrupt cowards.' The article notes Trump's Iran policy failed to eliminate key threats, and Republican figures like Marc Thiessen and JD Vance have publicly diverged from Trump's stance on the conflict.
- Ben-Gvir says Israel may ‘act alone’ against Iran in split with US
Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir stated that the US is 'very naive' to expect Iran to abandon its nuclear program, suggesting Israel may need to 'act alone' against Tehran. He emphasized Israel's responsibility to confront the Iranian threat independently, rejecting the idea of following US directives.
- Iran set to return to mainstream oil market as US temporarily waives sanctions
Iran is set to re-enter the global oil market as the US temporarily waives sanctions on its oil exports. The US claims the waiver is conditional on Iran allowing nuclear inspections, though Iran denies making such a commitment.
- The Deal That Should Not Have Happened
A ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran surprised observers due to unfavorable conditions, including disputes over Iran's nuclear program, regional influence, sanctions, and military activity. Simulations suggested such an agreement was low-probability, but the deal emerged amid potential factors like hidden concessions, shifting priorities, or misunderstandings about its purpose.
- US waives Iran sanctions, Trump says he will 'do what I have to' if Tehran misbehaves
The United States waived sanctions on Iran for 60 days following initial talks under a potential peace deal. President Donald Trump warned he would take action if Iran fails to comply, while Vice President JD Vance described the discussions in Switzerland as laying a foundation for a final agreement, though Iran denied addressing its nuclear program.
- Vance says UN nuclear inspectors will return to Iran as US suspends sanctions
The United States temporarily eased sanctions on Iranian oil after Vice President JD Vance stated Iran agreed to allow UN nuclear inspectors back into the country. This move is part of renewed negotiations to curb Iran's nuclear program and stabilize the Strait of Hormuz.
- The Memo: Iran peace train stays on tracks but faces steep climb
A meeting in Switzerland involving Vice President Vance and Iranian officials has kept the Iran peace process on track, though significant challenges remain, including negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program and managing regional volatility.
- Iran, US agree on roadmap to reach deal in 60 days at Switzerland talks, mediators say
Iran and the US agreed on a 60-day roadmap to reach a deal during talks in Switzerland, according to mediators Qatar and Pakistan. US and Iranian sources disputed whether the nuclear program was discussed, while Netanyahu claimed war created conditions for the regime's fall.
- As Vance meets top Iranian officials in Switzerland, Trump threatens Tehran from afar
U.S.-Iran talks in Switzerland began tensely as President Donald Trump's threats against Iran complicated negotiations led by Vice President JD Vance. Iran demanded discussions focus on Lebanon's conflict involving Hezbollah before addressing nuclear program issues, while Trump called for Iran to stop its 'proxies' in Lebanon and warned of further attacks.
- Vice President JD Vance meets top Iranian officials to begin peace talks, seeking to ‘change relations in the Middle East permanently’
U.S. Vice President JD Vance met with Iranian officials in Switzerland to advance peace talks, focusing on nuclear program negotiations and regional conflicts. Mediators from Pakistan and Qatar were present, while ongoing tensions in Lebanon and Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz pose challenges to the agreement.
- Vance and Iranian officials arrive in Switzerland to launch talks on Tehran’s nuclear program
U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Iranian officials arrived in Switzerland to negotiate details of an interim deal addressing Iran’s nuclear program and ending regional conflicts. Talks face challenges due to escalating fighting in Lebanon between Israel and Hezbollah, and Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil transit route.