US President Donald Trump has stated that he would accept a scenario in which Iran suspends its nuclear program for a period of 20 years. This remark by Trump suggests that Washington has somewhat shifted away from its previous demand for the complete cessation of Iran’s nuclear activities.
Previously, Trump had repeatedly insisted that Iran must permanently halt uranium enrichment and that the country must never be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons. Uranium enrichment is one of the critical steps involved in the production of nuclear weapons.
However, Trump now says that this suspension must be for “a genuine 20 years,” although he did not provide further details or elaboration on the matter.
On February 28, Israeli and US forces launched widespread attacks across Iran. Nevertheless, a ceasefire—which went into effect last month with the aim of halting the conflict and facilitating negotiations—has largely held, despite some sporadic exchanges of fire. Pakistan is currently playing the role of a mediator in this crisis.
However, both parties remain entrenched in their respective positions, having rejected each other’s recent proposals for ending the war.
According to reports in the Iranian media, Tehran’s proposal called for an immediate cessation of hostilities on all fronts. It is believed that this was specifically aimed at halting Israeli attacks against their ally, Hezbollah, in Lebanon. Furthermore, the proposal demanded the lifting of the US naval blockade on Iranian ports and sought assurances that no further attacks would be launched against Iran.
Trump spoke to reporters aboard Air Force One while returning from Beijing, following a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. He asserted that the United States and China have reached a consensus that Tehran must, under no circumstances, be allowed to develop nuclear weapons. He also insisted that Iran must reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Currently, global oil prices are on the rise as this vital maritime route remains closed due to Iran’s blockade.
When a journalist suggested that a 20-year suspension of Iran’s nuclear program might not be sufficient, Trump responded, “20 years is enough. However, there must be strong guarantees from their side—meaning it has to be a genuine 20 years.” He offered no further details on the subject. According to reports published in the U.S. media last April, during peace talks held in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, Iran proposed halting uranium enrichment for a period of five years. At that time, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance countered with a condition requiring a minimum duration of 20 years.
However, this marks the first time that Trump himself has publicly articulated this 20-year timeframe.
During his first term as president, Trump withdrew the United States from the nuclear deal struck with Iran in 2015. One of the primary reasons for his opposition to that agreement—which had been concluded during the administration of former President Barack Obama—was the so-called “sunset clause.” These provisions allowed for the lifting of certain sanctions imposed on Iran after a specific period of time had elapsed.
Meanwhile, Israel has yet to offer any reaction to Trump’s latest remarks. The country’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has stated that the war against Iran cannot be considered over until its entire stockpile of enriched uranium is completely removed.
Netanyahu had also been a staunch opponent of the 2015 nuclear deal. He argued that the agreement’s sunset clause would leave the door open for Iran to acquire nuclear weapons in the future, thereby posing a grave threat to Israel.
