U.S. President Donald Trump said he would accept a 20-year suspension by Iran of its nuclear programme, according to the BBC. This appears to be a shift in position away from his previous demand for a total end to Iran’s nuclear activities.

Trump’s New Stance on Nuclear Suspension

Trump said it had to be a “real 20 years.” Previously, he had called for Iran to permanently cease enriching uranium — a stage in making a weapon, and to be prevented from ever acquiring nuclear weapons.

However, he also indicated that his patience with Iran was running out, with no sign of a breakthrough in ongoing talks. Israeli and U.S. forces began massive air strikes on Iran on 28 February. A ceasefire, in place since last month to facilitate talks, has been largely observed, despite some exchanges of fire.

Proposals and Rejections

Pakistan has been playing the role of mediator in the talks. However, both sides appear to be far apart, having rejected each other’s most recent proposals to end the war.

Iranian media reported that Tehran’s proposal had included an immediate end to the war on all fronts, an apparent reference to Israeli attacks against its Shia ally Hezbollah in Lebanon, a halt to the U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports, and guarantees of no further attacks on Iran.

Speaking to reporters on Air Force One after talks in Beijing with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Trump said the two sides had agreed that Tehran could not be allowed to have a nuclear weapon and must reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which it is currently blocking, prompting a rise in world oil prices.

When a reporter suggested that a 20-year suspension of Iran’s nuclear programme was not enough, he replied: “Twenty years is enough, but the level of guarantee from them, in other words it’s got to be a real 20 years.” He did not elaborate further.

Historical Context and Reactions

U.S. media reported in April that during a session of talks in the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, Vice-President JD Vance had responded to an Iranian proposal to cease enrichment for five years by insisting on a minimum of 20 years. However, this is thought to be the first time Trump himself has mentioned a 20-year timeframe.

In his first term as president, Trump withdrew from a 2015 nuclear agreement reached with Iran by the Obama administration. One of the reasons given was opposition to so-called “sunset clauses” that would have allowed some restrictions on Iran to expire over time.

Israel has so far not reacted to Trump’s remarks. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium must be “taken out” before the war against Iran can be considered over.

Netanyahu has vehemently opposed the 2015 nuclear deal, partly on the grounds that the sunset clauses would leave open the possibility of Iran obtaining nuclear weapons and continuing to present a grave threat to Israel.