United States President Donald Trump declared that Washington is "very close" to reaching a nuclear agreement with Iran, following a series of serious negotiations. Speaking at a state dinner in Qatar, Trump expressed his desire to see Iran "thrive" and emphasized the importance of a peaceful resolution that could "save millions of lives."

Despite this optimistic tone, tensions remain high as the US Treasury Department announced fresh sanctions on individuals and entities supporting Iran’s ballistic missile program. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reiterated America's commitment to disrupting networks that bolster Tehran's military ambitions.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned Trump's recent remarks, accusing Washington of hypocrisy and attempting to deflect attention from Israeli actions in Gaza. He criticized US sanctions as illegal and highlighted Iran's desire for a regional consensus to resolve the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Adding to the diplomatic complexity, senior Iranian advisor Ali Shamkhani indicated that Tehran is open to a nuclear deal, provided all economic sanctions are lifted. He outlined Iran's willingness to limit uranium enrichment to civilian levels and allow international inspections but criticized the dual approach of offering talks while maintaining pressure through sanctions.

In a notable development, the US presented Iran with its first formal written nuclear proposal since negotiations began. This proposal, currently under review by Iranian leadership, details allowed civilian nuclear activities and monitoring mechanisms. Iranian officials responded with their own terms, suggesting a potential path forward despite mutual distrust.

As both sides navigate these sensitive talks, Iranian officials cautioned against external interference, particularly from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, urging the US to avoid being influenced by external actors.