Trump Says 20-Year Suspension of Iran’s Nuclear Programme Would Be Acceptable

U.S. President Donald Trump has said he would accept a 20-year suspension of Iran’s nuclear programme, signaling a possible shift from his earlier demand for a permanent end to Tehran’s uranium enrichment activities.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One after concluding his summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, Trump said a 20-year pause “would be enough” if Iran provides what he described as a “real commitment” that can be verified and enforced.

“Twenty years is enough, but the level of guarantee from them has got to be real,” Trump reportedly said while discussing ongoing efforts to revive negotiations over Iran’s nuclear activities.

The remarks mark a notable change in tone from the Trump administration’s previous insistence that Iran should permanently abandon uranium enrichment and any pathway to developing nuclear weapons.

According to reports, Iran had earlier proposed a temporary suspension lasting between three and five years, while other diplomatic discussions involved a broader 20-year framework that would include strict monitoring mechanisms. However, previous proposals reportedly failed to satisfy Washington.

Trump’s latest comments have raised speculation that both sides may be inching closer to a compromise after months of heightened tensions, military confrontations, and failed negotiations linked to Iran’s nuclear ambitions and regional activities.

The U.S. president also revealed that he discussed sanctions on Chinese companies purchasing Iranian oil during talks with Xi. Trump said he would decide “within days” whether to lift some of the restrictions imposed on Chinese refiners accused of violating U.S. sanctions on Tehran.

Despite the softer tone, Trump warned that his patience with Iran was “running out” and reiterated that Tehran must never obtain nuclear weapons. Iranian officials continue to insist that the country’s nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes and that uranium enrichment remains its sovereign right under international agreements.

The renewed diplomatic discussions come amid fragile ceasefire efforts in the Middle East and growing international concern over the possibility of wider regional conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States.