U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated that he could support a 20 year suspension of Iran’s nuclear programme, signalling what appears to be a softer tone compared to his previous hardline position on Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.…....
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump was asked whether a temporary halt lasting two decades would be acceptable as part of a potential agreement with Iran.
According to The Times of Israel, Trump replied that 20 years is enough, while stressing that any deal would need to include strict and reliable guarantees to ensure Iran fully complies throughout the entire period.
He emphasized that strong verification mechanisms would be essential, suggesting that promises alone would not be sufficient without rigorous international oversight and monitoring systems.
Trump’s remarks reflect continuing concerns in Washington over the long-term reliability of any nuclear agreement with Tehran, especially given past disputes surrounding inspections, compliance, and enforcement under earlier deals.
In the past, Trump had consistently adopted a tougher stance, arguing that Iran should permanently end uranium enrichment rather than agree to a temporary suspension. He had previously maintained that short-term arrangements would only postpone the issue for future American administrations instead of resolving it permanently.
However, his latest comments suggest he may now be open to a compromise solution, provided the agreement includes strict enforcement measures and clear consequences for violations.
A 20-year suspension proposal would represent a major development in ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at limiting nuclear proliferation in the Middle East and reducing tensions between the United States and Iran.
Although no formal agreement has yet been announced, Trump’s comments may indicate a willingness to consider interim diplomatic solutions as negotiations continue behind the scenes.
Attention is now likely to turn toward Tehran’s response and whether Iranian officials would be prepared to consider such terms. Observers are also expected to closely examine what kind of verification framework could realistically guarantee compliance over such a lengthy period.
