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First Post
3 days ago
- Politics
- First Post
Khamenei holds the Iran key as Trump pushes for new nuclear deal
Senior Iranian officials are prepared to enter talks with the Trump administration over a civilian nuclear deal, but the final decision rests with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei read more Despite public denials, senior Iranian officials are quietly signaling their willingness to resume nuclear negotiations with the Trump administration. However, as with all critical decisions in the Islamic Republic, the ultimate authority rests with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei . A source familiar with the matter told The Jerusalem Post that Iran's leadership has indicated a readiness to talk, but they are still awaiting a green light from Khamenei. It remains unclear whether Khamenei is deliberately holding back his approval or if communication difficulties are contributing to the delay. Some reports suggest that Khamenei has retreated to a secure underground location — an apparent wartime measure—that has hampered contact with top officials. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Khamenei previously blocked key talks Journalist Barak Ravid recently reported that Khamenei previously blocked attempts by Iran's foreign minister to engage with US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Vice President JD Vance. That obstruction, during the recent conflict, was a decisive factor in US President Donald Trump 's choice to strike Iran's nuclear facilities. A deal is still on the table Despite the tensions and military strikes between Iran, Israel, and the US, efforts to bring Tehran back to the negotiating table are ongoing. Trump administration officials have floated a range of proposals — some highly ambitious — including potentially allowing Iran to access up to $30 billion for a civilian nuclear energy program. The proposals are contingent on a firm, non-negotiable condition: zero uranium enrichment by Iran. The US insists that any civilian nuclear programme must be powered by imported, not domestically enriched, uranium. This idea mirrors the model followed by the United Arab Emirates. Secret White House meetings and regional involvement Much of the recent diplomacy has been conducted in secret. A critical meeting occurred last Friday between US envoy Steve Witkoff and officials from Gulf states at the White House, just one day before the US military launched strikes against Iran. During this meeting, terms for a revamped Iranian nuclear program were laid out, including a $20–30 billion investment, primarily expected to come from US-aligned Gulf partners, not American taxpayers. One floated idea involves Gulf states funding the replacement of Iran's Fordow nuclear facility — recently bombed by the US — with a new non-enrichment energy site. Whether Iran would have access to or control over the facility remains unclear. Sanctions relief and access to frozen funds Another incentive under discussion is the removal of select economic sanctions and the unlocking of $6 billion in Iranian assets currently frozen in foreign bank accounts. These financial carrots are part of a broader strategy to draw Iran back into a compliance framework without direct concessions from Washington DC. Still, reports quoting senior Trump administration officials said these proposals are preliminary and subject to change. The US is not offering unilateral benefits but is open to facilitating peace and long-term stability. Trump's public indifference belies behind-the-scenes diplomacy In public statements, President Trump has struck a dismissive tone, stating he doesn't care whether a new deal is signed or not. However, CNN cited sources to say that the administration sees real value in locking down a longer-term nuclear agreement to reinforce the recent ceasefire between Iran and Israel. Witkoff has echoed similar views in his interviews. He said the US is pursuing a 'comprehensive peace agreement' and sees signs that Iran is open to one. He said multiple intermediaries — especially Qatar — are actively facilitating discussions. Road to a new agreement remains uncertain While a sixth round of negotiations had been scheduled before Israel's strikes disrupted talks, no formal date has been set to resume them. President Trump claimed that US-Iran talks might take place next week, though Iranian officials have not confirmed this and sources say the logistics are still being finalised. Before the recent military escalation, five rounds of preliminary talks had already been held. A proposal from the US was on the table and Iran was expected to respond in Oman — plans which were derailed by the Israeli assault. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Potential turning point or point of no return? The Trump administration hopes that the recent show of military force will pressure Iran into abandoning its pursuit of nuclear capabilities. However, some experts warn the opposite outcome is just as plausible: that Iran may now double down on its nuclear ambitions out of self-preservation. In a troubling sign, the Iranian parliament has recently voted to end cooperation with the UN's nuclear watchdog agency — a move widely interpreted as a signal of Tehran's intent to further conceal its nuclear activities. Direct talks are still uncertain US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reinforced that any future agreement depends on Iran's willingness to engage in direct negotiations. Still, back-channel communication continues, with Qatar playing a central role in conveying messages and helping maintain the fragile ceasefire. The coming days may determine whether this fragile diplomatic moment yields a new nuclear agreement — or slides into deeper mistrust and confrontation.
NDTV
6 days ago
- Business
- NDTV
$30 Billion Investment, Unfreeze Funds: US Offer To Iran To Resume Talks
New Delhi: The Trump administration has been exploring a range of proposals to bring Iran back to the negotiating table, including easing sanctions, releasing frozen funds, and facilitating a multi-billion-dollar investment in a civilian nuclear energy programme, CNN reported, citing four sources familiar with the matter. Discussions have continued despite recent military strikes between Israel and Iran. US officials and Middle East intermediaries have been engaging Iran behind closed doors, as per sources. Talks have intensified since a fragile ceasefire was reached this week, brokered by US President Donald Trump. The administration has floated various proposals, all contingent on one non-negotiable: zero Iranian uranium enrichment, a position Tehran has consistently rejected. According to CNN, the proposal includes several incentives for Iran. A $20-30 billion investment in non-enrichment nuclear infrastructure for civilian energy. Sanctions relief. Access to $6 billion in Iranian assets currently frozen in foreign accounts. One idea being floated involves rebuilding the Fordow nuclear site, recently struck by US bunker-buster bombs, into a non-enriching civilian facility, potentially funded by US-aligned Gulf nations. It remains unclear whether Iran would operate that site under the new proposal. "The US is willing to lead these talks," a Trump administration official told CNN. "And someone is going to need to pay for the nuclear programem to be built, but we will not make that commitment." Steve Witkoff, US Special Envoy to the Middle East, told CNBC on Wednesday that the administration is pursuing a "comprehensive peace agreement" and sees an opportunity to present Iran with a formal term sheet. He said any new programme must be modelled after the United Arab Emirates' civil nuclear project, which prohibits enrichment. "Now the issue and the conversation with Iran is going to be, how do we rebuild a better civil nuclear programme for you that is non-enrichable?" Witkoff said. President Donald Trump confirmed the possibility of talks next week but appeared uncertain about the need for a deal. "I don't care if I have an agreement or not," he said on Wednesday, even as some of his aides reportedly view a long-term nuclear deal as essential to maintaining the current ceasefire. Qatar, key to the Israel-Iran ceasefire, will continue mediating US-Iran talks, CNN reported. Five US-Iran talks took place before Israel's strikes halted a planned sixth round in Oman. Before the US strikes, intermediaries told Iran the action would be limited and that the US demand for no uranium enrichment remained firm. "We may sign an agreement, I don't know," Trump said Wednesday from the NATO summit. "I could get a statement that they're not going to go nuclear, we're probably going to ask for that."
The Age
05-06-2025
- Business
- The Age
Albanese to put beef on the table in Trump trade talks
However, the US's mad cow outbreak subsided and Australia's ban on US beef was lifted in 2019. Biosecurity officials are still reviewing whether to permit cattle raised in Mexico and Canada but slaughtered in the US into Australia, as the Trump administration has demanded. 'Our farmers are blocked from selling almost anywhere ... Australia won't let us sell beef,' US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said in April, in an oversimplification of the current situation. It is unclear whether the outcome of that review will be the card Albanese plays in his discussion with Trump, which another government source noted was not a 'deal-or-no-deal' moment and could lead to months of talks. The source added that ministers were wary of Trump's erratic approach and were unwilling to 'sell the farm' by giving in to US demands to water down the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme or back away from charging tech giants for news. The prime minister's office was contacted for comment. Experts, including former inspector-general of biosecurity Helen Scott-Orr, told this masthead in April that they endorsed Australia's ban on US beef exports from cattle raised outside the US. Australia's disease-free status depended on strict biosecurity protocols, they said. 'We do not use them [biosecurity protocols] as non-tariff trade barriers. When other countries query our biosecurity requirements, we have to justify them and show that we are applying proper controls to allow trade to all those countries to continue,' Scott-Orr said. 'The requirements we have are very cautious because the consequences would be huge.' The Albanese government's consideration of permitting US beef imports suggests it has found a pathway through these complications. In April, Albanese said he would negotiate with the US but would never undermine biosecurity. 'We will not weaken the measures that protect our farmers and producers from the risks of disease or contamination,' he said in a separate statement. Agriculture sector consultant Patrick Hutchison, of Gibraltar Strategic Advisory, said while the US was a major competitor in the biggest markets for beef, like China, Japan and Korea, Australia's population of 27 million was likely too small to become a major target for Americans. 'US exports would only play a very niche role in the market here, like in food service or potentially, US-aligned supermarket chains,' Hutchinson said. The US is the biggest market for Australian beef, which is used in 6 billion hamburgers across the United States each year, and industry calculates tariffs would cost US consumers an additional $600 million a year. National Farmers Federation President David Jochinke said he welcomed Albanese's ongoing commitment not to compromise biosecurity rules to satisfy US demands. Loading 'The science-based, biosecurity assessment processes undertaken by the Australian government are crucial in ensuring imports are safe,' Jochinke said. Australia's historic trade with the US dipped into a deficit for the first time earlier this year, just as Trump was preparing to announce tariffs. However, it returned to surplus on Thursday, handing Albanese and Farrell a more powerful argument because most countries, unlike Australia, sell more to the US than they buy from it. The US hostility towards trade under Trump has forced its allies to open up new trading avenues. Australia is closing in on a long-delayed free-trade deal with the EU, with Trade Minister Don Farrell meeting European counterparts in Paris this week. Loading UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer secured a partial exemption from metals tariffs when he visited Washington, creating a precedent for such an arrangement and fuelling Coalition calls for Albanese to get the same outcome. The prime minister said on Tuesday he would 'certainly' raise metals tariff with Trump, and on Thursday argued the case for a long-delayed EU trade deal that Farrell is now negotiating was bolstered by the chaos caused by Trump's tariff spree.
Sydney Morning Herald
05-06-2025
- Business
- Sydney Morning Herald
Albanese to put beef on the table in Trump trade talks
However, the US's mad cow outbreak subsided and Australia's ban on US beef was lifted in 2019. Biosecurity officials are still reviewing whether to permit cattle raised in Mexico and Canada but slaughtered in the US into Australia, as the Trump administration has demanded. 'Our farmers are blocked from selling almost anywhere ... Australia won't let us sell beef,' US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said in April, in an oversimplification of the current situation. It is unclear whether the outcome of that review will be the card Albanese plays in his discussion with Trump, which another government source noted was not a 'deal-or-no-deal' moment and could lead to months of talks. The source added that ministers were wary of Trump's erratic approach and were unwilling to 'sell the farm' by giving in to US demands to water down the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme or back away from charging tech giants for news. The prime minister's office was contacted for comment. Experts, including former inspector-general of biosecurity Helen Scott-Orr, told this masthead in April that they endorsed Australia's ban on US beef exports from cattle raised outside the US. Australia's disease-free status depended on strict biosecurity protocols, they said. 'We do not use them [biosecurity protocols] as non-tariff trade barriers. When other countries query our biosecurity requirements, we have to justify them and show that we are applying proper controls to allow trade to all those countries to continue,' Scott-Orr said. 'The requirements we have are very cautious because the consequences would be huge.' The Albanese government's consideration of permitting US beef imports suggests it has found a pathway through these complications. In April, Albanese said he would negotiate with the US but would never undermine biosecurity. 'We will not weaken the measures that protect our farmers and producers from the risks of disease or contamination,' he said in a separate statement. Agriculture sector consultant Patrick Hutchison, of Gibraltar Strategic Advisory, said while the US was a major competitor in the biggest markets for beef, like China, Japan and Korea, Australia's population of 27 million was likely too small to become a major target for Americans. 'US exports would only play a very niche role in the market here, like in food service or potentially, US-aligned supermarket chains,' Hutchinson said. The US is the biggest market for Australian beef, which is used in 6 billion hamburgers across the United States each year, and industry calculates tariffs would cost US consumers an additional $600 million a year. National Farmers Federation President David Jochinke said he welcomed Albanese's ongoing commitment not to compromise biosecurity rules to satisfy US demands. Loading 'The science-based, biosecurity assessment processes undertaken by the Australian government are crucial in ensuring imports are safe,' Jochinke said. Australia's historic trade with the US dipped into a deficit for the first time earlier this year, just as Trump was preparing to announce tariffs. However, it returned to surplus on Thursday, handing Albanese and Farrell a more powerful argument because most countries, unlike Australia, sell more to the US than they buy from it. The US hostility towards trade under Trump has forced its allies to open up new trading avenues. Australia is closing in on a long-delayed free-trade deal with the EU, with Trade Minister Don Farrell meeting European counterparts in Paris this week. Loading UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer secured a partial exemption from metals tariffs when he visited Washington, creating a precedent for such an arrangement and fuelling Coalition calls for Albanese to get the same outcome. The prime minister said on Tuesday he would 'certainly' raise metals tariff with Trump, and on Thursday argued the case for a long-delayed EU trade deal that Farrell is now negotiating was bolstered by the chaos caused by Trump's tariff spree.
West Australian
03-06-2025
- Business
- West Australian
Everest ticks off extraction study to start Aussie rubidium industry
Everest Metals and Edith Cowan University (ECU) have achieved 97 per cent rubidium extraction in a joint engineering scoping study for Everest's Mt Edon project in Western Australia. The study is a key step in Everest's plans to pioneer a new rubidium industry in Australia. Everest plans to inject Australia onto the world rubidium stage by unlocking the nation's entry into a new and valuable critical mineral processing industry. The engineering study was completed at ECU's Mineral Recovery Research Centre, which Everest asked to help develop an innovative rubidium extraction process. The direct extraction process aims to extract the critical mineral in a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly manner from ore mined at the company's Mt Edon critical mineral project in WA's Mid West region. Demand for the rare mineral used in high-tech industries, such as defence, aerospace and communications, is expected to lift significantly. Research by global market research company Market Research Future projects global market usage to grow from US$4.46 billion (A$6.91B) in 2023 to US$7.2B by 2032 using a compound annual growth rate of 5.48 per cent. The study achieved exceptional results from phase three beneficiation and leaching testwork, which produced the outstanding 97 per cent recovery rate for rubidium oxide from Mt Edon's primary ore. Everest has elected to lock in a standard patent to protect its new-age technology, having realised the effectiveness of its extraction process. It jumped on a provisional patent for the process earlier this year. The company says the results confirm the project's potential commercial and technical viability, based on its plans for a processing plant capable of producing 750-1000 tonnes per annum rubidium chloride. Further studies are required to nail down an optimised process. Management believes the project can prosper from broad geopolitical initiatives, such as United States President Donald Trump's April executive order calling for an investigation into the national security risks associated with its dependence on imported processed critical minerals. The executive order outlines an urgent need to develop transparent, secure and US-aligned supply chains for required critical minerals. Rubidium has many high-technology applications and is listed as one of 35 critical minerals by several countries, including the US and Japan. Everest sees the current price of rubidium carbonate, near US$1170 per kilogram, as providing the project with strong potential to develop into a profitable operation. Downstream applications are fuelling rapid growth with an increase in demand for rubidium salts. With the engineering study complete, Everest has work underway to increase the efficiency of its extraction technology and reduce costs. During testwork, data from samples indicated the beneficiation process enhanced rubidium liberation and therefore its availability for downstream extraction, removing gangue minerals. Beneficiation led to higher leaching efficiency and improved outcomes, resulting in the 97 per cent recovery levels. The innovative extraction method is part of a process involving mining, beneficiation to concentrate the rubidium-bearing minerals, followed by roasting-leaching-crystallisation to produce rubidium chloride. Further analysis is required to evaluate the technical and economic risks for scalability and operational stability. The company plans to run additional bench-scale and pilot-scale testwork to validate its process before building a full-scale plant. Everest has an agreement with the CSIRO to enhance its understanding of rubidium, caesium and lithium mineralogy. The increased knowledge of the critical minerals is expected to improve the company's processing methods and overall recovery rates. Everest applied to the Minerals Research Institute of WA for funding under its METS Innovation program. The application sought matched funding to support upcoming metallurgical and purification testwork. The company expects to receive word on its application this month. It is also exploring grant funding opportunities and potential future funding options through domestic and international critical mineral initiatives to help scale up to a pilot plant next year. Mt Edon is 420 kilometres northeast of Perth and 5km southwest of the State's former gold rush settlement of Paynes Find. The project has an inferred mineral resource of 3.6 million tonnes grading 0.22 per cent rubidium oxide and 0.07 per cent lithium oxide. Management says the resource contains a world-class component of 1.3Mt at 0.33 per cent rubidium oxide and 0.07 per cent lithium oxide. The high-grade zone contains 56 per cent of the total contained rubidium tonnes at Mt Edon, which has 7900t of the rare critical mineral. Everest says its initial resource is based on drilling along 400 metres of strike within a 1.2km-long pegmatite corridor on a 192.4-hectare granted mining lease. Drilling was conducted to a vertical depth of 140m below surface, with 61 reverse circulation drill holes plunged in over 2779m to determine the estimated resource. Everest holds a 51 per cent stake in Mt Edon with the potential to take over the entire operation in a joint venture farm-in agreement with private company Entelechy Resources. The company is aiming big: It is looking to develop a fledgling industry locally, supply a growing market globally, and support the nation's defence needs with a reliable rubidium supply. Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact:
