We Have a Clear Red Line: We Will Not Allow This in Iran - Whitcoff

The fundamental position of the United States is that Iran cannot enrich uranium. This was stated by Steve Whitcoff, Special Envoy for Middle East Negotiations appointed by President Donald Trump, in an interview with ABC News.

“We have one very clear red line, and that is uranium enrichment. We cannot allow Iran to have enrichment capabilities, even at 1 percent. Everything starts from our principled position, which is a deal that does not include the possibility of enrichment,” said Whitcoff.

This sentiment was echoed earlier by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who indicated that the U.S. aims to compel Iran to abandon its nuclear ambitions. According to him, Washington seeks to ensure that Tehran never acquires nuclear weapons.

“If you can enrich uranium at any level, then you can essentially enrich it to weapon-grade level very quickly,” said the diplomat.

In response, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi countered that Iran will enrich uranium regardless of whether an agreement is reached with the U.S. “The U.S. is interested in assurances that Iran will not acquire nuclear weapons. Such an agreement is available, and we are ready for serious dialogue to reach a solution that will ensure that outcome forever. But uranium enrichment in Iran will continue, regardless of whether an agreement is reached or not,” Araghchi wrote on social media.

Additionally, the fourth round of indirect negotiations between the U.S. and Iran took place in Oman. The delegations from Iran and the United States were led by Araghchi and Special Envoy Steve Whitcoff, respectively. The head of the Iranian diplomatic mission announced a willingness to make several concessions and that the parties agreed to continue negotiations.