Nuclear Talks Update: U.S. Demands Total End to Iran’s Enrichment Program

U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff clarified the administration’s firm stance on Iran’s nuclear ambitions on Tuesday, stating that any final agreement must involve a complete halt to uranium enrichment and weaponization activities. His remarks mark a sharp pivot from what appeared to be a more flexible tone just a day earlier.

“Any final arrangement must set a framework for peace, stability, and prosperity in the Middle East — meaning that Iran must stop and eliminate its nuclear enrichment and weaponization program,” Witkoff said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

The comment comes just 24 hours after Witkoff seemed to hint at a more moderated position during an interview on Fox News, where he emphasized the importance of verification over a full halt.

At the time, he said, “This is going to be much about verification on the enrichment program,” and pointed out that Iran “does not need to enrich past 3.67 percent.”

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That level, 3.67%, is a key limit from the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)—the nuclear deal that was designed to keep Iran from developing nuclear weapons while permitting limited enrichment for civilian use. President Donald Trump withdrew the U.S. from that agreement in 2018, arguing it was flawed and too lenient.

Recent findings from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) suggest growing concern. According to the agency’s latest report, Iran now possesses an estimated 274.8 kilograms of uranium enriched up to 60%—dangerously close to weapons-grade purity, which begins at 90%.

While Iran continues to insist its nuclear program is solely for peaceful purposes like energy production, Washington isn’t buying it. Trump and his administration have repeatedly expressed deep skepticism, accusing Tehran of seeking nuclear weapons capabilities under the guise of civilian energy development.

Despite the fiery rhetoric, diplomatic channels remain active. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed Tuesday that President Trump recently spoke with Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman. The U.S. president thanked the Gulf state for facilitating quiet negotiations with Tehran—a sign that while threats loom, diplomacy is still in motion.

But Trump isn’t mincing words. He’s warned that if Iran doesn’t return to the table and agree to strict terms, military action remains a real possibility. He has previously threatened strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites, calling the current regime in Tehran “radicals” who must not be allowed access to atomic weapons.