U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations were on the verge of a breakthrough before Israeli airstrikes on Iranian military and nuclear facilities derailed the process, according to Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi, who has been mediating between Washington and Tehran.
Speaking in remarks reported by CBS News, Albusaidi said a framework agreement was "within our reach," with Iran prepared to adopt what he described as a "zero accumulation, zero stockpiling" policy on nuclear material capable of producing a bomb, subject to full International Atomic Energy Agency verification.
"The deal would have meant full verification, and no enrichment to weapons-grade levels," Albusaidi told Margaret Brennan, adding that "a little more time was needed to finalise details."
The diplomatic effort collapsed after Israel launched what it described as a pre-emptive strike targeting Iranian military and nuclear infrastructure in Tehran and several western cities. Explosions were reported across the capital, and residents in affected areas were seen evacuating as air defenses activated.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu characterized the operation as a necessary response to what he called an "existential threat," citing Iran's long-range missile capabilities and support for regional militant groups. The Israel Defense Forces confirmed that Iran launched retaliatory strikes, triggering air-raid sirens across Israel.
The escalation marks a dramatic shift from weeks of quiet negotiations that, according to Omani mediation, had advanced beyond previous efforts. Albusaidi suggested that Iran's willingness to accept strict monitoring represented a departure from earlier positions under the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, from which the U.S. withdrew in 2018.
Key elements described by the mediator included:
- A "zero accumulation, zero stockpiling" commitment on weapons-capable nuclear material
- Continuous IAEA inspections
- Potential involvement of a U.S. monitoring contingent
President Donald Trump has maintained that Iran must cease all enrichment activities. "Not 20%, 30%, they always want 20%, 30%, they want it for civilian... I think it's uncivil," Trump told reporters, signaling skepticism toward any arrangement permitting continued uranium processing.
The Israeli strike underscores longstanding security concerns in Jerusalem about Tehran's nuclear ambitions. Israeli officials have argued that intelligence indicated Iranian facilities were nearing operational thresholds that could shorten the timeline to weaponization.
Iran has vowed retaliation. State media reported missile launches and warned of a "crushing response." Regional observers have reported heightened military activity across the Gulf, with air defenses activated in multiple locations.
