From Bombs to Bargains: U.S. Offers Iran Asset Unfreeze and $30B Nuclear Deal

 June 27, 2025 – In a significant shift towards potential de-escalation, reports emerging today indicate a preliminary U.S. offer to Iran that includes substantial financial incentives and the unfreezing of assets in an effort to bring Tehran back to nuclear negotiations. This diplomatic overture comes directly on the heels of recent U.S. military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, suggesting a multi-pronged strategy combining military pressure with renewed diplomatic engagement.

According to multiple international media outlets, citing sources familiar with the discussions, the Trump administration is exploring a proposal that could provide Iran with a $20-30 billion investment to develop a non-enrichment civilian nuclear energy program. Alongside this, the offer reportedly includes sanctions relief and access to approximately $6 billion in Iranian assets currently frozen in foreign bank accounts.

Key details of the proposal, some of which were discussed in a secret White House meeting last Friday (June 20) involving U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff and Gulf partners, suggest a complex package:

• Civilian Nuclear Program Investment: The $20-30 billion would be earmarked for new, non-enrichment nuclear infrastructure for civilian energy purposes. A Trump administration official indicated that the U.S. would prefer its Arab partners to fund this, rather than direct U.S. government money.
• Sanctions Relief & Frozen Funds: Easing of some U.S. sanctions and allowing Iran access to its restricted $6 billion in foreign assets are also on the table.
• Fordow Re-purposing: One idea being floated involves rebuilding the heavily struck Fordow nuclear facility into a non-enriching civilian site, potentially funded by U.S.-aligned Gulf nations.

Crucially, the proposal comes with one non-negotiable condition from the U.S. side: zero Iranian uranium enrichment. This stance is in direct contradiction to Tehran's consistent position that it needs enrichment for its energy requirements.

The diplomatic push has intensified since a fragile ceasefire was brokered earlier this week between Israel and Iran, with U.S. President Donald Trump playing a key mediating role. While Trump publicly stated on Wednesday (June 25) that talks with Iran might resume "next week," Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has publicly denied any confirmed plans for new negotiations, stating that "no agreement, arrangement or conversation has been made to start new negotiations." Araghchi also reportedly said today that the American strike on nuclear sites had "complicated" the possibility of new talks.

Despite Iran's public denial of immediate talks, U.S. officials and Middle East intermediaries have reportedly been engaging Iran behind closed doors. This suggests a continued effort to create a pathway for dialogue even as official statements remain cautious or contradictory. The proposal underscores the Trump administration's attempt to pivot from military confrontation to diplomatic engagement, aiming for a long-term nuclear deal that could help stabilize the volatile region.