**U.S. Officials Hint at ‘Initial Agreement’**
“Basic one-page agreement followed by detailed coordination”
On the 23rd (local time), U.S. President Donald Trump was at the White House in Washington D.C., working on negotiations with Iran. A shooting incident occurred near the White House, prompting police to be on guard on the roof. [AFP]
[Herald Economy=Park Sehwan] U.S. President Donald Trump stated on the 23rd (local time) that negotiations for an end to hostilities with Iran were imminent. Amid this, U.S. officials claimed that the “initial agreement” included a clause for Iran to abandon highly enriched uranium.
The New York Times (NYT), citing multiple U.S. officials, reported that as part of the initial agreement, the U.S. demanded Iran abandon highly enriched uranium, which Iran has accepted.
However, U.S. officials noted that specific details on how to handle Iran’s uranium stockpiles have not been agreed upon. They mentioned that this matter would be addressed in future negotiations regarding Iran’s nuclear program.
This implies that the U.S. is considering initially agreeing on the abandonment of uranium stockpiles and postponing detailed discussions on the nuclear program for later negotiations.
These remarks emerged amid Pakistan’s mediation team visiting Tehran for high-level sequential contacts with Iran, and President Trump also engaging with Middle Eastern countries, suggesting that a settlement might be near.
Still, it’s unclear how close both sides have come to an agreement on other ongoing conditions for ending hostilities, such as the Iranian nuclear program, Israel’s cessation of attacks on Lebanon, and normalization of the Strait of Hormuz.
The handling of highly enriched uranium is considered the major sticking point in the negotiations between the two countries.
Iran holds approximately 440 kg of 60% highly enriched uranium, and President Trump has repeatedly stated that this stockpile would be secured by the U.S.
Securing the weapons-grade uranium and having the U.S. take it would potentially counter criticism of prolonged conflict.
During former President Barack Obama’s tenure, the nuclear agreement allowed Iran to transfer its stockpile to Russia. If the Trump administration brings it to the U.S., it could be highlighted as a symbolic achievement.
However, Iran has consistently rejected such a scenario.
For the Iranian regime, handing over highly enriched uranium to the U.S. could be perceived as ‘surrender.’
Therefore, Iran has opposed including the uranium issue in the initial agreement, demanding it be postponed to a second-phase negotiation.
NYT reported that the U.S. negotiating team pressured through a mediator that they would withdraw from talks and resume military operations if there was no initial agreement on uranium stockpiles.
Indeed, reports indicate that U.S. military authorities have presented President Trump with options for airstrikes on Iran’s uranium stockpiles, including plans to target the Isfahan nuclear facility, where uranium is stored, with bunker-buster bombs.
President Trump stated on Truth Social that the details of the issues are being coordinated, and as part of the agreement, the Strait of Hormuz will be opened.
However, he did not specify what agreements have been reached or what obstacles remain.
Meanwhile, as President Trump was reviewing Iran’s peace proposal at the White House, a shooting incident occurred, leaving two casualties, including the suspect. The Secret Service (SS) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) have blocked off the scene and are investigating the incident.
According to CNN and other U.S. media, the SS reported receiving a 6 PM call about gunfire near the intersection of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, outside the White House complex.
The SS temporarily closed the White House and instructed journalists outside the building to evacuate.
A News Nation journalist reported, “We heard 25 to 30 consecutive gunshots,” saying, “SS agents rushed us into the briefing room, shouting ‘Shots fired!, Get down!’ and brought us here as quickly as possible.”
The SS Public Affairs Office stated on X (formerly Twitter), “We are aware of reports of a shooting at 17th and Pennsylvania Avenue NW and are cooperating with onsite personnel to verify information,” and promised to provide additional information once available.
FBI Director Kathy Patel also posted on X, “The FBI is on the ground assisting the SS in responding to the shooting incident near the White House” and promised to release more information when possible.
While neither the SS nor the FBI has disclosed specific details, Fox News reported that the shooter fired three shots at the White House with a handgun, leading SS agents to return fire and subdue the shooter.
The shooter was transported to the hospital and is reported to have died.
U.S. media reported President Trump was unharmed. However, a bystander was shot and taken to a nearby hospital, with their condition not yet disclosed.