White House official: Trump will not allow Iran to enrich uranium

White House official: Trump will not allow Iran to enrich uranium

White House Official: Trump Will Not Allow Iran to Enrich Uranium

The Trump administration has reaffirmed its stance that Iran must not retain the capacity to enrich uranium, a position underscored by recent diplomatic tensions and military posturing. A White House official stated, "The president has been clear that Iran cannot have nuclear weapons or the capacity to build them, and that they cannot enrich uranium" according to the administration. This follows indirect negotiations in Geneva, where Iran's foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, claimed the U.S. did not demand a "zero enrichment" agreement, asserting that Iran is pursuing "confidence-building measures" to demonstrate its nuclear program's peaceful intent as reported.

The administration has escalated pressure through economic and military measures. On February 6, 2026, President Trump signed an executive order authorizing tariffs on countries importing Iranian goods or services, aiming to isolate Iran economically and curb its nuclear ambitions according to the White House. Concurrently, U.S. military forces have been deployed to the Middle East, with Trump hinting at potential limited strikes if a deal is not reached within 10–15 days. "They better negotiate a fair deal," Trump stated, while acknowledging he is "considering" military action as reported.

Iran's nuclear program remains a focal point. Despite U.S. claims that June 2025 airstrikes "obliterated" key enrichment facilities according to White House statements, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported "severe but not total" damage, noting Iran still holds significant enriched uranium stockpiles according to IAEA reports. Iran has since increased enrichment to 60% purity, a level close to weapons-grade material, while denying weaponization intentions.

Meanwhile, a proposed U.S.-Saudi nuclear cooperation deal has raised proliferation concerns, as Saudi Arabia could gain access to enrichment technology as experts warn. Nonproliferation experts warn this could destabilize regional dynamics, particularly amid heightened U.S.-Iran tensions.

The standoff underscores geopolitical risks for global markets, with sanctions, tariffs, and potential military action likely to impact energy prices and trade flows. As negotiations continue, the administration's "maximum pressure" strategy remains central to its Iran policy, with no compromise on uranium enrichment.