“We have a very big ask” in return, the U.S. official says. It starts with removing whatever nuclear material and enrichment infrastructure remains, and continues with hard limits on Iran’s missile program and an end to its support for regional terrorism. The return of inspectors and on-demand searches is essential.

Snapback” sanctions will be triggered by the end of August if Tehran fails to make concrete progress to limit its nuclear program.

Languages: English and Farsi Iran is threatening to raise uranium enrichment to weapons-grade levels and exit the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) if Western powers move forward with reimposing United Nations sanctions,

Hegseth also took a jab at the news media over ongoing coverage that contradicts the Trump administration's firm stance that the facilities were obliterated.

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump tried to keep a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Iran in place Tuesday as reports emerged indicating the U.S. attack on Iran's nuclear facilities over the weekend was not as successful as he initially claimed.

Officials in Israel are acknowledging that some enriched uranium may have survived the powerful U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities last month.

President Donald Trump said on Friday that Iran had not agreed to inspections of its nuclear program or to give up enriching uranium.

The process of uranium enrichment increases the concentration of U-235, an isotope that can sustain a nuclear chain reaction. Beginning in 2006, the U.N. Security Council called on Iran to suspend all uranium enrichment, but it endorsed the JCPOA on July 20, 2015.

China has promised to help Iran stand up to "bullying" and to defend its rights and interests through talks, China's foreign minister told his Iranian counterpart, as Iran seeks to rally international support after Israeli and U.S. attacks on its nuclear program.