Iran agrees to dismantle uranium stockpiles amid escalating US military pressure

Tensions in relations between Washington and Tehran have reached a level not seen in years in recent hours. The main mediator in the dispute, Oman's Foreign Minister, unexpectedly announced that Iran has agreed to a key Western condition, consenting not only to halt enrichment but also to dismantle existing stockpiles of enriched uranium. According to the Omani side, this is proof that „peace is within reach”. This information has sparked a wave of optimism in some European capitals, but the White House is tempering the mood. President Donald Trump publicly stated he is not satisfied with Iran's stance, accusing it of avoiding concrete declarations and using methods called „hostage diplomacy”. The American leader emphasized that while he prefers to avoid war, sometimes the use of force becomes a necessity, which is interpreted as a direct threat to strike nuclear facilities in Isfahan and Natanz. The situation has a military and logistical dimension that goes beyond mere rhetoric. The aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford is heading to the Middle East, and the US administration has authorized the voluntary evacuation of embassy staff families in Israel. Concurrently, the International Atomic Energy Agency has renewed appeals to allow inspectors into Iranian facilities, pointing to concerning data from satellite imagery analysis. Financial markets are reacting violently to reports of possible escalation – Barclays analysts predict the price of Brent crude may soon break the $80 per barrel barrier. Oil market investors are betting on the most bullish scenarios in nearly two years, fearing that a potential armed conflict could block key transport routes in the Strait of Hormuz and destabilize the global economy. Since 1979, when the Islamic Revolution in Iran led to the severing of diplomatic relations with the USA, these countries have been in a state of permanent crisis, interrupted only by brief periods of détente, such as during the negotiations of the JCPOA nuclear agreement in 2015. Despite declarations of nuclear concessions, the American side remains skeptical of Tehran's intentions. Donald Trump, referring to nearly five decades of tensions, noted: „We've been playing with them for 47 years”, suggesting the current administration is seeking a final and definitive solution to the Iranian issue. Vice President JD Vance, who spoke with Oman's Foreign Minister, is also exercising caution, emphasizing the need for full verification of any potential dismantlement of facilities. Within Washington, a debate is ongoing between proponents of „surgical strikes” and diplomats who believe economic sanctions and Iran's new offer are enough to avoid a major regional war. The coming days will show whether Omani mediation will prove to be a lasting foundation for a new treaty or merely a brief interlude before a US military operation. „I'm not happy with the negotiations. Iran must know that force is an option, though I would prefer not to use it.” — Donald Trump <bias left=