Iran Nuclear Deal Offers 3.5% Uranium Cap as Trump Deploys Destroyers Anyway

The Iran nuclear deal talks showed signs of movement over the weekend. Meanwhile, Tehran was putting forward a proposal that could ease long-running concerns around its nuclear program. But the timing is complicated. While negotiations appear to be progressing, the US is preparing a major military operation in the region. This has left markets trying to figure out which signal matters more.

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Tehran Proposes Liquidating Stockpile, Azizi Calls Military Deployment “Delusional”

Iran’s latest proposal includes capping uranium enrichment at 3.5%. This is down from the 60% levels that had raised concerns over potential nuclear weapons and Iran’s capabilities. According to reports, the plan also suggested gradually reducing its enriched uranium stockpile.

The proposal is part of a 14-point Iran peace deal framework that the US is currently reviewing. Officials on both sides indicated that discussions are ongoing, though no agreement has been finalized.

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Project Freedom Rollout Complicates Negotiations

Amidst this, President Donald Trump has announced Project Freedom. This is an operation aimed at clearing stranded commercial vessels from the Strait of Hormuz. The mission, set to begin May 5, will involve around 15,000 troops, more than 100 aircraft, and guided-missile destroyers, according to the US Central Command. Trump stated,

“I have told my Representatives to inform them that we will use best efforts to get their Ships and Crews safely out of the Strait. In all cases, they said they will not be returning until the area becomes safe for navigation, and everything else.”

Iran has pushed back strongly. Ebrahim Azizi, who heads Iran’s parliamentary national security commission, said any US involvement in the waterway would violate the current ceasefire. He dismissed the operation as “delusional posts” in a post on X. He added:

Despite the tension, oil markets reacted more to the diplomatic signals than to the military buildup. Prices were lower in early trading after news of the proposal and an expected increase in OPEC+ output.

Currently, both sides appear to be testing how far they can push without derailing talks entirely. But discussions around the Iran nuclear deal are continuing. This comes even as military activity in the region is ramping up. The direction of things in the coming days is in question.

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