U.S. Envoy Witkoff and Kushner Visit Oak Ridge Lab for Iran Nuclear Talks Preparations

U.S. Middle East envoy Witkoff and Kushner traveled Thursday to the national laboratory in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, to consult with a team of technical experts that could play a role in nuclear negotiations with Iran. According to Odaily, the White House is seeking to reach a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Iran to end the conflict and begin in-depth nuclear talks, and wants experts on standby when negotiations start. U.S. officials involved in mediation and regional sources said the United States and Iran still disagree on several details of the MOU. Sources described the talks as in their final stage, but said it remains unclear whether an agreement will be reached. A U.S. official said the Oak Ridge meeting does not mean an agreement is imminent, but indicates the negotiations have entered a serious phase and that the likelihood of reaching an agreement is high, adding that the United States wants to be prepared. Two U.S. officials also confirmed they and Kushner were visiting U.S. Department of Energy facilities in Oak Ridge. The officials said a team of about 100 experts was recently assembled to participate in nuclear negotiations after a preliminary agreement is reached, and that the envoy’s trip was intended to meet team members and discuss preparations for a potential nuclear deal.