U.S. envoy warns of 'non-negotiable limit' regarding enrichment in forthcoming Iran negotiations
A New Round of Talks Between Trump and Iran
Donald Trump, on a tour of Gulf Arab monarchies next week, expresses optimism about reaching an agreement with Tehran to prevent an Israeli military strike on Iran's nuclear program, potentially sparking a wider conflict.
Previously, three rounds of discussions in Oman and Rome concluded with expressions of positivity, with both sides stating that the atmosphere was congenial, despite decades of hostility between the countries. However, these talks lacked technical depth, leaving fundamental questions unanswered.
Steve Witkoff, a close friend of Trump who has served as his negotiator for various global issues, initially suggested flexibility towards Iran maintaining modest uranium enrichment for civilian purposes. Yet, in a recent interview, Witkoff stated unequivocally that the Trump administration would oppose any enrichment.
"An enrichment program can never exist in Iran again. That's our red line. No enrichment," Witkoff confided in right-wing Breitbart News. "This means dismantlement, no weaponization, and the three enrichment facilities - Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan - must be dismantled."
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio hinted at the possibility of Iran importing enriched uranium for civilian energy uses.
Trump, during his initial term, withdrew from a nuclear agreement with Tehran, brokered by former president Barack Obama, that allowed Iran to enrich uranium at levels below what's required for weapons. Many experts doubted that Iran would volitionally dismantle its entire nuclear program and surrender all enrichment.
However, Iran finds itself in a weaker position over the past year. Israel has significantly weakened Hezbollah, the Lebanese Shiite militia backed by Iran, which could retaliate in any conflict. Moreover, Iran's main ally in the Arab world, Bashar al-Assad, was ousted in December. Israel also targeted Iranian air defenses in open clashes following the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas, a group supported by Iran's clerical state.
Blow 'em up beautifully
Trump acknowledges the complexity in his Iran policy, stating at the start of his second term that hardline advisors are pushing him to ramp up pressure. In a recent interview, Trump indicated that he prefers "total verification" that Iran's contested nuclear work has ceased, but through diplomacy.
"I'd much rather make a deal than see military action," Trump told conservative radio talk show host Hugh Hewitt. "There are only two alternatives - blow 'em up nicely or blow 'em up viciously," Trump stated.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi acknowledged that Oman, serving as a mediator, proposed a meeting on Sunday, and both sides have accepted. Araghchi emphasized the importance of consultation and said negotiations are progressing.
"Negotiations are advancing, and as we make progress, there will be more discussions, and delegations will require more time to assess issues," Araghchi said in a video broadcast by Iranian media. "However, what's essential is that we progress forward in a manner that enables us to delve into the details."
The Trump administration has continued to implement sanctions despite the negotiations, aggravating Iran. Recently, the United States levied additional sanctions on another Chinese refinery, a major buyer of Iranian oil. Since Trump's withdrawal from the Obama-era deal, the U.S. has wielded its power to deter other countries from purchasing Iranian oil.
In summary, the proposed agreement between the Trump administration and Iran centers around comprehensive negotiations that address not only nuclear enrichment but also ballistic missiles, weaponization efforts, and support for terrorism[2][3]. The goal is to limit Iran's nuclear capabilities through diplomacy while maintaining a civilian nuclear program with capped enrichment levels[1][2]. Ultimately, the outcome of these negotiations remains uncertain[5].
- Steve Witkoff, Trump's negotiator for global issues, unequivocally stated that the Trump administration would oppose any uranium enrichment in Iran, referring to it as their red line.
- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio hinted at the possibility of Iran importing enriched uranium for civilian energy uses.
- In a video broadcast by Iranian media, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi acknowledged that Oman, serving as a mediator, proposed a meeting, and both sides have accepted.
- The Trump administration, despite the negotiations, has continued to implement sanctions against Iran, aggravating the country.
- Trump stated in a recent interview that he prefers "total verification" that Iran's contested nuclear work has ceased, but through diplomacy, rather than military action.
- In the political landscape filled with war-and-conflicts, policy-and-legislation, and general-news, discussions between Trump and Iran concerning Israeli military strikes on Iran's nuclear program and the future of Iran's uranium enrichment program stand as a significant issue.
