The United States (US) is reportedly considering a multi-billion-dollar arrangement with Iran as part of broader negotiations aimed at easing tensions between the two countries.
Scoop: U.S. considers $20 billion cash-for-uranium deal with Iran as peace talks progress
Whether Iran takes the offer is another matter. We might find out in Islamabad this weekend@BarakRavid w/an assist from mehttps://t.co/P1lEovn91I
— Marc Caputo (@MarcACaputo) April 17, 2026
According to a report by Axios, discussions are underway over a potential agreement that could involve the release of up to $20 billion in frozen Iranian funds in exchange for Tehran relinquishing its stockpile of enriched uranium.
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The proposed framework is part of a three-page memorandum currently being debated by officials on both sides. One of Washington’s key priorities is to prevent Iran from accessing roughly 2,000 kilograms of enriched uranium stored in underground facilities, including about 450 kilograms enriched to 60 percent purity.
Axios: U.S. considers $20 billion cash-for-uranium deal with Iran.
The U.S. and Iran are negotiating over a three-page plan to end the war, with one element under discussion being that the U.S. would release $20 billion in frozen Iranian funds in return for Iran giving up its… pic.twitter.com/KqE8crzZi8
— World Source News (@Worldsource24) April 17, 2026
Earlier stages of negotiations reportedly included a US willingness to release $6 billion to allow Iran to purchase humanitarian goods such as food and medicine, while Tehran had initially demanded $27 billion.
Sources cited in the report suggest that the $20 billion figure is now under consideration as a possible compromise. However, US officials have indicated that the “money-for-uranium” concept remains one of several proposals on the table rather than a finalized plan.
A major sticking point in the talks concerns the handling of Iran’s nuclear material. The US has reportedly pushed for the transfer of all enriched uranium out of Iran, while Tehran has instead proposed reducing enrichment levels domestically under international oversight. Other options being explored include transferring highly enriched material to a third country while downblending the rest within Iran.
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The draft memorandum also includes provisions for a voluntary cap on uranium enrichment and restrictions on underground nuclear facilities. However, disagreements persist over the duration of these limits, with the US proposing a 20-year period and Iran suggesting five years.