Iran Agrees to Zero Nuclear Stockpiles in Peace Talks

After years of tension, Iran has committed to something no previous agreement achieved: zero stockpiling of enriched uranium that could create nuclear weapons.

Oman's Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi announced the breakthrough on Friday following the third round of indirect talks between the United States and Iran in Geneva. He told CBS News that a peace deal is "within our reach" if diplomacy continues.

The agreement goes beyond past nuclear deals. Iran won't just limit enrichment but will degrade its current nuclear material stockpiles "to the lowest level possible" and convert them into irreversible fuel. This means even existing materials can't be turned into weapons.

"If you cannot stockpile material that is enriched, then there is no way that you can actually create a bomb," Al Busaidi explained. The International Atomic Energy Agency will verify compliance with full and comprehensive inspections.

The talks represent months of careful negotiation through Omani mediation. Both sides are working to resolve remaining details, with Al Busaidi confident all issues can be settled "amicably and comprehensively" within a few months.

Iran has also shown openness to discussing its missile program, another key US concern. The willingness to address multiple security issues signals genuine progress toward lasting peace.

The Ripple Effect

This breakthrough could reshape stability across the Middle East and beyond. Preventing nuclear proliferation through verified agreements rather than military conflict creates a model for resolving international disputes peacefully.

The deal protects global security while avoiding war. Countries across the Gulf region stand to benefit from reduced tensions and the economic opportunities that come with regional stability.

US Vice President JD Vance met with Al Busaidi on Friday as negotiations continue. Both sides plan to meet again Monday in Vienna to work through remaining details and move closer to a final comprehensive agreement.

President Trump said he prefers diplomacy over military force, though he pushed for Iran to finalize terms quickly. The substance of the breakthrough suggests both nations recognize the value of a verified peaceful solution.

A world without the threat of another nuclear weapon program isn't just possible anymore—it's being built one diplomatic conversation at a time.