The Trump administration is considering economic incentives for Iran, including the release of billions of dollars in frozen assets, in exchange for a halt to uranium enrichment. The proposal, one of several ideas being discussed, would allow Iran to receive assistance from regional countries to develop a civilian nuclear program, potentially worth up to $30 billion.
This move marks a significant policy shift from President Trump’s previous stance, which saw the US withdraw from the 2018 nuclear deal with Iran, arguing that sanctions relief and asset release provided funds for Tehran’s malign activities. However, it is unclear whether this proposal, or any negotiations between the two countries, will gain traction.
The potential shift comes after President Trump threatened to impose new sanctions on Iran following Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s declaration of victory in the conflict with Israel and downplaying the significance of US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Trump expressed his displeasure with Khamenei’s statement on Truth Social, suggesting it was making him reconsider sanctions relief.
In a pre-recorded speech, Khamenei stated that the Islamic Republic had emerged victorious and delivered a “slap in the face to America.” President Trump, however, maintained that Iran is eager to meet with him to discuss possible sanctions relief.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth praised US forces for “obliterating” Iranian nuclear sites in air strikes this week, saying it will take weeks to assess the full extent of the damage. He also suggested that initial reports from US intelligence agencies about the level of damage were inaccurate.
This information was reported by NBC News on June 26, 2025.
