Top Iranian official says Tehran would forgo highly enriched uranium in nuclear deal with Trump

Iran is ready to sign a nuclear deal with certain conditions with President Donald Trump in exchange for lifting economic sanctions, a top adviser to Iran’s supreme leader told NBC News on Wednesday, Report informs.

Ali Shamkhani, a top political, military and nuclear adviser to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is one of the most senior Iranian officials to speak publicly about the ongoing discussions.

He said Iran would commit to never making nuclear weapons, getting rid of its stockpiles of highly enriched uranium which can be weaponized, agree to only enrich uranium to the lower levels needed for civilian use, and allow international inspectors to supervise the process, in exchange for the immediate lifting of all economic sanctions on Iran.

Asked if Iran would agree to sign an agreement today if those conditions were met, Shamkhani said, “Yes.”

His comments appear to be the clearest public statement yet on Iran’s expectations and willingness to reach a deal from the supreme leader’s inner circle. Iran’s supreme leader has the final say on all matters of national security.

“It’s still possible. If the Americans act as they say, for sure we can have better relations,” Shamkhani said, adding, “it can lead to a better situation in the near future.”

Shamkhani sat down with NBC News just hours after Trump offered Iran “an olive branch” that was combined with threats crippling economic sanctions should Iran not accept an agreement to limit the country’s nuclear program.

Shamkhani expressed frustration at Trump’s tone and continued threats.

“He talks about the olive branch, which we have not seen. It’s all barbed wire,” he said.

Trump has repeatedly said Iran cannot be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon.