Iran has proposed setting up a joint nuclear enrichment venture with Arab countries and US investment, The New York Times reported on Tuesday, citing four Iranian officials familiar with the matter.

The plan, reportedly presented by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi during a meeting with American envoy Steve Witkoff in Oman on Sunday, was intended as an alternative to US President Donald Trump’s demand that Tehran completely dismantle its nuclear facilities.

A spokesman for Witkoff, Eddie Vasquez, denied the report, telling the NYT that a joint venture “was never floated or discussed.” The US and Iran have had no formal diplomatic relations since 1980.