(Image source from: REUTERS)

US President Donald Trump has stated that Iran has consented to return its supply of enriched uranium and mentioned that both nations are "close" to reaching a peace agreement. "They've agreed to return the nuclear materials," Trump informed journalists at the White House, referring to the stockpile of enriched uranium that the US claims could be utilized for creating nuclear arms. "There is a strong possibility that we will finalize a deal," he added. Trump mentioned that the United States and Iran are engaged in a "very productive negotiation. " He noted that if the agreement is made, there will be free oil, an open Strait of Hormuz, and "everything will be pleasant. " The Republican leader also said he may visit Pakistan if the agreement is finalized in Islamabad. The US and Iran were unable to come to a consensus during the 21-hour lengthy peace discussions in Islamabad last weekend, with the US maintaining that Tehran was unwilling to relinquish its right to enrich nuclear fuel. US Vice President JD Vance emphasized that if America’s "limits" regarding Iran’s nuclear goals were respected, "then this could be a very beneficial deal for both sides. "

Washington has suggested a 20-year halt on Iran's uranium enrichment in its proposal; however, Tehran stated it could only agree to a five-year freeze, according to reports from The New York Times and the Wall Street Journal. Previously, Tehran had offered to pause uranium enrichment for up to five years, an offer that the Trump administration declined, demanding a 20-year period, as reported by the NYT citing two senior Iranian officials and one US official. The previous request from the Trump administration was for Iran to completely stop all domestic enrichment due to worries it could lead to the ability to develop nuclear weapons. Iran has consistently maintained that it does not aim to develop a nuclear weapon and that its nuclear program is intended for peaceful purposes.