WASHINGTON (CP) – President Donald Trump stated Monday that any agreement with Iran must include complete elimination of uranium enrichment capabilities, clarifying U.S. position after reports suggested his special envoy proposed allowing limited civilian enrichment under regional oversight arrangements.
President Donald Trump reinforced his administration’s firm stance on Iran’s nuclear program, declaring on social media that “WE WILL NOT ALLOW ANY ENRICHMENT OF URANIUM” under any potential agreement with Tehran. The statement comes amid ongoing negotiations led by Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, who has engaged in several rounds of direct talks with Iranian officials for the first time in years. White House officials described Trump’s position as the “cold, hard truth” and emphasized that proposed terms would make it impossible for Iran to obtain nuclear weapons.
The clarification follows media reports about a detailed proposal that would permit Iran to maintain low-level uranium enrichment for civilian purposes such as nuclear medicine and commercial power generation. The plan reportedly included creation of a regional consortium to oversee civilian enrichment activities, similar to concepts studied during previous negotiations. Iranian officials have consistently maintained their nuclear program serves peaceful purposes only, though they have indicated unwillingness to completely dismantle enrichment capabilities as part of any agreement.
Recent International Atomic Energy Agency reports indicate Iran has continued increasing its stockpile of near weapons-grade enriched uranium since February. The Trump administration has framed these negotiations as the best opportunity to avoid direct military conflict while ensuring Iran cannot develop nuclear weapons. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Witkoff has submitted a comprehensive proposal to Iranian leadership, stating it would serve Iran’s best interests to accept the terms.
The current diplomatic effort represents a significant shift from the 2015 nuclear agreement, which Trump withdrew from during his first term. That deal allowed Iran to maintain limited enrichment capacity under international monitoring, arrangements the current administration views as insufficient for preventing weapons development. Former Obama administration officials have noted similarities between current proposals and earlier negotiations, questioning whether critics of previous Iran deals will apply consistent standards to Trump’s diplomatic approach. The negotiations continue as both nations seek to resolve the nuclear standoff through peaceful means while maintaining their respective security requirements.