US officials have signaled “optimism” about reaching a framework agreement to end the Iran war, with President Donald Trump conveying that assessment directly to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. But the deal hinges on resolving a single thorny question: which country will take Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium.

According to a Channel 12 report citing two Israeli officials, Iran has shown “surprising openness” to transferring its uranium stockpile to a third country — a significant concession in talks aimed at de-escalating the two-month conflict. Yet negotiators have found no consensus on which nation would accept the material.

Trump made clear to Netanyahu that without resolving the uranium question, there will be no deal, the officials said.

Beyond the uranium impasse, Israel remains deeply concerned about what it views as insufficient attention to Iran’s ballistic missile program. Jerusalem is pushing for a framework clause that would limit the range of Iranian missiles — though Israeli officials acknowledge there would be no credible verification mechanism to ensure Iran’s compliance.

The omission reflects a fundamental tension in the negotiations: achieving a breakthrough on nuclear materials while the most destabilizing weapons systems remain unaddressed.

Perhaps the greatest uncertainty lies within Iran’s own power structure. While “part of the Iranian leadership” appears willing to take “significant steps” toward an agreement — including surrendering its uranium stockpile — Israel and the US fear the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps could derail the entire deal.

The IRGC, which answers to Iran’s Supreme Leader rather than the civilian government, has historically opposed nuclear concessions and holds considerable sway over Iran’s military posture.

Israel is preparing for multiple scenarios, including a complete collapse of negotiations, the officials indicated.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)