U.S. Weighs Iran Summit as Israel Fears Concessions

The United States and regional mediators are weighing the possibility of high-level peace talks with Iran as soon as this week, but Tehran has yet to confirm whether it will participate, according to sources familiar with the deliberations. President Trump has expressed interest in winding down the conflict, though Iran’s control of the Strait of Hormuz complicates any potential exit strategy. The U.S. has shared a 15-point proposal with Israel that includes demands such as halting uranium enrichment, surrendering highly enriched uranium stockpiles, and limiting ballistic missile ranges. Israeli officials remain deeply skeptical that Iran will accept the full set of conditions, warning that a rushed deal could leave Israel exposed. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is particularly concerned that Trump might accept a partial agreement that constrains Israel’s freedom to strike Iranian assets. “There is concern that Trump will decide to cut a deal and stop the war even if only some of his demands are met,” one Israeli source said. The U.S. has told Israel that Iran agreed to surrender its 450 kilograms of 60% enriched uranium, accept enhanced UN inspections, and curtail support for proxies. It remains unclear whether anyone with real authority in Tehran has actually made such commitments. Amid internal disarray in Iran—compounded by uncertainty over the health of Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei—U.S. officials say the regime is struggling to communicate internally. “Steve and Jared tried to establish a credible channel for negotiations with Iran, but it is too early to say what’s gonna happen,” a source familiar with the outreach said. The U.S. is also preparing military escalation options, including the deployment of the Army’s 82nd Airborne command element and an infantry brigade to the Middle East. Pakistan, acting with Egypt and Turkey as a mediator, has offered to host talks and said it “stands ready and honored” to facilitate. Vice President Vance could be involved if the summit proceeds, though uncertainty remains over whether substantive negotiations are even possible. “But its not clear if there is anything to be involved in. Everyone is trying to figure out if it’s real,” another source said. Trump has suggested that while many Iranian leaders are gone, the U.S. is “talking to the right people” who “want to make a deal badly.” Iranian officials, however, deny that negotiations are underway, though they confirm that messages and proposals have been exchanged. The administration is prepared to resume military operations if diplomacy fails, with White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stating that “Operation Epic Fury continues unabated.”

Reported by: Julian Vance

Senior Global Security Correspondent