Witkoff: red line with Iran is "zero" nuclear enrichment

Witkoff: red line with Iran is "zero" nuclear enrichment

U.S. Maintains “Zero Enrichment” Stance in Iran Nuclear Talks

The U.S. administration has reaffirmed its demand that Iran cease all uranium enrichment as a non-negotiable condition for a new nuclear agreement, according to Steve Witkoff, the White House’s Middle East envoy. “We cannot allow even 1 percent of an enrichment capability,” Witkoff stated on May 18, emphasizing that domestic enrichment “enables weaponization” and leaves the door open for Iran to develop nuclear weapons according to Witkoff. This position aligns with President Donald Trump’s repeated assertions that Iran must not retain the capacity to enrich uranium or build nuclear arms as reported.

Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, has disputed this characterization, claiming the U.S. has not formally requested “zero enrichment” in recent negotiations held in Switzerland. In an interview with MSNBC, Araghchi stated that discussions focused on “confidence-building measures” to demonstrate Iran’s nuclear program is “solely for peaceful purposes” but provided no specifics according to reports. He also suggested a draft proposal from Iran could be submitted to the U.S. within days, potentially advancing talks.

The U.S. and Iran remain at an impasse over enrichment, with Tehran currently producing uranium at 60% purity—a level with no civilian use and 99% of the effort required for weapons-grade material according to analysis. While Witkoff has sought to isolate the nuclear issue from broader regional tensions, Israeli officials and some U.S. diplomats have pushed for addressing Iran’s ballistic missile program and support for regional proxies in any deal as noted by sources.

Financial markets are closely monitoring the negotiations, as a resolution could impact global oil prices, sanctions relief, and regional stability. Trump has warned of “serious consequences” if Iran refuses to compromise, including limited military strikes, though U.S. officials have not confirmed imminent action according to reports.

For investors, the outcome of these talks carries significant implications for energy markets, sanctions policy, and geopolitical risk. A deal requiring Iran to abandon enrichment entirely could reshape nuclear nonproliferation norms, while a failure to reach agreement risks escalating tensions and disrupting trade in the Persian Gulf.