US Official Says Iran Deal Could Hand Washington Enriched Uranium A draft peace agreement between the United States and Iran could see Washington gain control of Tehran's stockpile of highly enriched uranium, according to a senior US official. The official, speaking anonymously to reporters, said the emerging memorandum of understanding would require the material to be destroyed inside Iran before being removed from the country. The comments come as negotiators appear to be edging closer to a deal aimed at ending months of conflict and reducing tensions across the Middle East. Deal 'Very Close' To CompletionThe US official said confidence in reaching an agreement had risen sharply in recent days. "If I was at 75 percent this morning, I'm probably at 80 to 85 percent now," the official said. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who has played a mediation role, claimed a final agreed text had already been reached. Meanwhile, reports emerged that the United Arab Emirates could unlock billions of dollars for Iran as part of a broader settlement, although Abu Dhabi has strongly denied the claims. Trump Halts Strikes As Diplomacy AdvancesThe developments follow a dramatic decision by US President Donald Trump to cancel planned military strikes against Iran. Trump said a draft agreement was ready and suggested it could be signed within days, possibly in Europe. The White House has insisted any sanctions relief for Iran would only come after Tehran fulfils its obligations under the agreement. That position was reinforced after Trump reportedly became angry over Iranian state media reports claiming Tehran would receive billions of dollars immediately upon signing. Iran Signals Optimism But Disputes RemainIranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said a deal could potentially be signed remotely within days. He claimed the agreement would guarantee Iranian-Omani oversight of the Strait of Hormuz and insisted Iran's enriched uranium could only be diluted inside the country. Despite the optimistic language, significant questions remain over exactly what Tehran will be required to surrender and when. Israel Reportedly Caught Off GuardThe agreement has also created tensions with Israel. Reports suggest Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was surprised when Trump announced the breakthrough. According to a senior US official, Trump later told Netanyahu: The same official suggested Israel may have little room to block the agreement if Washington and Tehran reach a final understanding. Five Key Goals Of The AgreementAccording to the US briefing, the proposed deal is designed to achieve several major objectives: Reopen the Strait of Hormuz to international shipping. Extend the current ceasefire. Begin the dismantling of Iran's nuclear programme. Remove or destroy Iran's stockpile of highly enriched uranium. Open broader regional discussions involving Lebanon and Iranian-backed groups. Still Not A Done DealDespite the growing optimism, US officials stress that no agreement has yet been signed. After months of missile exchanges, air strikes, naval incidents and threats of wider war, negotiators appear closer than ever to a settlement. But with disagreements still lingering over uranium, sanctions and regional security guarantees, officials admit the deal remains tantalisingly close — yet not quite over the finish line. SOURCE