Despite ongoing tensions and recent military strikes, the Trump administration is secretly pursuing a diplomatic framework to bring Iran back to nuclear negotiations, offering civilian nuclear cooperation and economic incentives, CNN has learned.

Secret Diplomacy Underway

According to four sources cited by CNN, U.S. officials have floated proposals to Iran involving $20–30 billion in assistance for a civilian nuclear energy program. The package reportedly includes sanctions relief and access to $6 billion in restricted foreign bank accounts.

A key condition is that Iran halts uranium enrichment—a demand Tehran has consistently rejected, maintaining enrichment is essential for energy independence. “The challenge... is how do we rebuild a better, non-enriched civilian nuclear program for Iran,” said Middle East envoy Witkow.

Gulf States to Fund Iran's Civilian Program?

Notably, U.S. officials stressed that the funding would not come from Washington. Instead, Arab Gulf countries would finance the program. One version of the plan proposes rebuilding the bombed Fordow facility as a non-enriched energy site.

On the eve of a recent U.S. military strike, Trump’s Middle East envoy and Gulf partners met at the White House for hours of closed-door talks on the issue, highlighting the high-level commitment to the diplomatic channel.

Trump Plays Public-Private Game

While negotiations continue privately, President Trump has stated publicly that “a nuclear deal is not necessary.” Nevertheless, officials suggest the administration aims to use the current ceasefire as a diplomatic window to pursue long-term stability and prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.

Talks are said to continue next week, though Iran’s Foreign Ministry has not confirmed a scheduled date. “Someone needs to fund a nuclear program,” one U.S. official said, “and the United States is not making that commitment.”

Strategic Stakes and Skepticism

The diplomatic effort reflects a broader strategy to constrain Iran’s capabilities without direct military escalation. However, skepticism remains high among analysts and lawmakers who doubt Tehran will abandon enrichment, especially amid recent nuclear facility damage and uncertainty over its hidden stockpile.

Still, Witkow emphasized the effort is designed to achieve a “comprehensive peace agreement,” hoping strategic incentives might succeed where coercion has not.