US recaps ‘red line’ in Iran nuclear discussions
(MENAFN) The United States has reaffirmed that any future nuclear agreement with Iran must completely prohibit uranium enrichment, a condition Tehran has labeled as “unrealistic.” Steve Witkoff, President Donald Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, made the remarks during an interview with ABC News on Sunday.
Witkoff emphasized that while Washington remains open to a diplomatic resolution, its “red line” is absolute: no uranium enrichment of any kind. “Even a 1% enrichment capability is unacceptable,” he said, arguing that enrichment is directly linked to the potential development of nuclear weapons.
In response, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi dismissed the demand, asserting that Iran will continue its enrichment program regardless of any agreement. He criticized the U.S. position as being disconnected from the realities of international negotiations.
Despite the clash, Araghchi expressed a willingness to engage in serious talks aimed at guaranteeing Iran does not pursue nuclear weapons. “If the U.S. genuinely wants to prevent Iran from acquiring a bomb, a deal is possible,” he said.
Iran is currently enriching uranium to 60% purity—well above the 3.67% limit set by the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), but below the 90% required for weapons-grade material. While U.S. officials have repeatedly warned that Iran could reach nuclear weapons capability within weeks, Tehran maintains that its nuclear program is entirely peaceful.
Adding complexity to the negotiations, a recent New York Times report claimed that Iran had proposed a joint uranium enrichment initiative involving Arab nations and American investment during indirect talks in Oman. A representative for Witkoff has denied that such a proposal was made.
The current standoff stems from the U.S. decision to unilaterally withdraw from the JCPOA in 2018 under President Trump, who argued the agreement was too lenient. Following the withdrawal, Washington reimposed sanctions, and Iran began gradually exceeding the limits set by the deal.
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