U.S. diplomat identifies uranium enrichment as a crucial limit before upcoming Iran negotiations
Trump's upcoming visit to Gulf Arab monarchies brings hope for a nuclear deal with Iran, aiming to prevent an Israeli strike that could lead to a broader conflict. Previous talks in Oman and Rome, albeit optimistic, lacked technical detail and have left some questions unanswered.
Steve Witkoff, a close buddy of Trump and a frequent negotiator on global issues like Iran, initially hinted flexibility regarding Tehran maintaining low-level uranium enrichment for civilian purposes. However, in a recent interview, Witkoff made it crystal clear that the Trump administration firmly opposes any Iranian enrichment program whatsoever.
"There can never be an enrichment program in Iran again. That's our red line. No enrichment," Witkoff told Breitbart News. This stance implies complete dismantlement of Iran's uranium enrichment facilities, including Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio previously brought up the possibility of Iran importing enriched uranium for civilian energy purposes. Trump, in his first term, withdrew from a nuclear agreement with Iran that allowed iran to enrich uranium at levels below weapons-grade. Many experts doubt Iran would willingly dismantle its entire nuclear program and forgo all enrichment.
However, Iran finds itself in a weaker position lately. Israel has weakened Hezbollah, a Lebanese Shiite militia supported by Iran, and toppled Syria's Bashar al-Assad—Iran's main ally in the Arab world. Israel also struck Iranian air defenses, stirring tensions between the two nations.
Trump himself acknowledges the complexity of his policy on Iran and revealed that hawkish advisors are pushing for increased pressure. In a recent interview, Trump stated that he wants "total verification" that Iran's contested nuclear work is halted but through diplomacy, preferring a diplomatic resolution over military action.
"There are only two alternatives -- destroy 'em nicely or destroy 'em harshly," Trump said. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced that negotiations are progressing, with both sides agreeing on a proposed meeting date.
The Trump administration continues to impose sanctions on Iran despite ongoing talks, straining relations further. In the past week, the United States imposed sanctions on another Chinese refinery, a key market for Iranian oil. Since Trump's withdrawal from the Obama-era deal, the U.S. has attempted to prevent all countries from purchasing Iranian oil.
- The Trump administration, in its stance against any Iranian enrichment program, seems to be leaning towards a diplomatic resolution with Iran over a potential conflict, as Donald Trump prefers "total verification" of Iran halting its contested nuclear work through diplomacy rather than military action.
- The ongoing talks between the United States and Iran about a possible nuclear deal come amidst a complex political landscape, with the United States imposing sanctions on Iran despite the negotiations, signifying strained relations between the two nations.
- Against the backdrop of war-and-conflicts in the Middle East, Israel's recent actions, such as weakening Hezbollah, toppling Syria's Bashar al-Assad—Iran's main ally in the Arab world, and striking Iranian air defenses, have left Iran in a weaker position, potentially influencing the course of policy-and-legislation and general-news surrounding the Iran nuclear issue.
