UN and Egyptian leaders meet with Iran to discuss nuclear program as enrichment continues
PBS NewsHourJUN 1
Iran to Present Counter-Proposal to US Nuclear Deal
Above: Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei attends a press conference in Tehran, Iran, on May 19, 2025. Image copyright: Shadati/Xinhua via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-Trump narrative
Both sides are willing to continue negotiations and find a diplomatic resolution to their long nuclear standoff. Despite most of his officials being known for their hawkishness on Iran, as well as his own record, the Trump administration is actually making progress on nuclear talks and keeping the president's promise to be a peacemaker in his return to the White House.
Anti-Trump narrative
The Trump administration now looks completely clueless when it comes to nuclear negotiations with Iran. While the maximum pressure campaign is what brought Tehran to the negotiating table, Trump and his officials have now decided to make a U-turn and limit their leverage so as not to inflate their counterparts — an approach that only helps Iran to buy time and relief, and press forward with its uranium enrichment.
Pro-Iran narrative
The path to a diplomatic solution requires recognition of Iran's legitimate rights while ensuring peaceful nuclear development. The current U.S. proposal represents an unrealistic, one-sided approach that disregards Iran's sovereign right to peaceful nuclear technology under international law. An agreement is within reach, but any sustainable agreement must balance verification measures with respect for Iran's civilian nuclear program.