Trump Sets Terms for Iran Nuclear Deal
Witkoff, speaking at a private gathering in Washington, D.C., laid out the administration's non-negotiable starting position in blunt terms.
"We start with the Iranians with the premise that there is no sunset provision. Whether we get a deal or not, our premise is: you have to behave for the rest of your lives," Witkoff was quoted as saying, according to media.
The envoy identified uranium enrichment rights and the disposal of Iran's existing enriched uranium stockpile as the two central fault lines in ongoing negotiations. He noted that current discussions remain narrowly focused on the nuclear file — though Witkoff said a successful agreement would open the door to separate follow-on talks addressing Iran's ballistic missile capabilities and its backing of regional proxy forces.
The stance marks a deliberate departure from the architecture of the 2015 nuclear accord brokered under President Barack Obama, under which the bulk of restrictions on Iran's nuclear activities were scheduled to phase out between eight and 25 years after signing. Tehran had separately pledged never to develop a nuclear weapon under that framework — a deal President Donald Trump unilaterally abandoned.
Now, according to media, citing U.S. officials, Trump may be open to permitting symbolic, "token" uranium enrichment inside Iran — but only if Tehran can demonstrate such activity poses no pathway to a nuclear weapon. Those same officials noted that Iran is facing mounting pressure from four key mediators — Oman, Qatar, Egypt, and Türkiye — to reach an agreement with Washington that forecloses the prospect of armed conflict.
That prospect loomed large Monday when Trump issued a stark public warning, stating he would prefer diplomacy but making clear that failure to reach a deal would mean "it will be a very bad day" for Iran — an unmistakable reference to potential U.S. military action. The warning came as the administration has been rapidly expanding its military footprint across the Middle East.
Negotiations are set to resume Thursday in Geneva, where discussions are expected to center on uranium enrichment thresholds and the scope of any sanctions relief extended to Tehran.
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