US-Iran Preliminary Deal Leaves Nuclear Program Off the Table, Senior Iranian Official Says

A high-ranking Iranian official has confirmed that the preliminary agreement struck between Washington and Tehran does not cover Iran’s nuclear program with that thorny issue pushed to future final-deal negotiations. The disclosure comes as Donald Trump claimed a deal was largely in place.

Washington and Tehran Reach a Preliminary Deal But Nuclear Issue Stays Out

A senior Iranian official has confirmed that the preliminary agreement between the United States and Iran does not include Iran’s nuclear program. The nuclear question long the central flashpoint between the two nations will only be taken up during negotiations toward a final agreement.

The confirmation comes just days after US President Donald Trump declared that a deal with Iran was “largely agreed upon.” Trump added that final details were still being worked out and an announcement was coming soon.

Also Read | Iran’s US Nuclear Deal Memo Has No Clause on Shipping Out Enriched Uranium

Nuclear Program Excluded From Early Framework

“The Iranian nuclear question is not part of the preliminary agreement with the United States,” the official stated plainly.

The source made clear that discussions around Iran’s nuclear program would form a separate and presumably more complex chapter in the broader peace process. For now, the preliminary framework covers other dimensions of the conflict, leaving the nuclear file for later talks.

Also Read | US Pledges to Lift Oil Sanctions on Iran for the Duration of Peace Talks

A Conflict That Began in Late February

The backdrop to these negotiations is a conflict that erupted on February 28 when the United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes against targets inside Iranian territory. The military campaign left more than three thousand people dead. On April 8, Washington and Tehran announced a ceasefire, bringing the active phase of hostilities to a halt.

Also Read | US Set to Unfreeze Iranian Assets as Part of Preliminary Nuclear Deal Framework

Talks Stalled But No Return to War

Peace negotiations held in Islamabad after the ceasefire ended without a breakthrough. Despite the diplomatic setback, neither side announced a resumption of military operations. However, the United States moved to tighten pressure on Iran imposing a naval blockade on Iranian ports.

Also Read | Strait of Hormuz Will Never Return to Pre-War Normal; Iran Reveals Key Terms

“Good News” Hinted on Hormuz

Separately, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio hinted that “good news” regarding the Strait of Hormuz a critical global oil chokepoint would be announced within hours. The statement added to growing signals that some form of broader arrangement between the two sides may be taking shape behind the scenes.

Also Read | Rubio Hints at “Good News” Coming for Strait of Hormuz Within Hours