Trump rules out uranium enrichment in potential Iran nuclear deal

In a firm stance on nuclear negotiations, former US President Donald Trump declared that any future agreement with Iran would strictly prohibit uranium enrichment. This announcement came after reports suggested the Biden administration might allow limited enrichment under a new deal.

Speaking via his Truth Social platform, Trump stated, “Under our potential Agreement – WE WILL NOT ALLOW ANY ENRICHMENT OF URANIUM!” His remarks were a direct response to a report by Axios indicating that Washington’s latest proposal could permit Tehran to conduct low-level uranium enrichment for a limited time.

Trump, a Republican, criticized President Joe Biden for failing to prevent Iran from expanding its nuclear program, blaming the Democrat for the current situation.

Iran, on its side, maintains that its nuclear activities are peaceful and essential for energy production. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, speaking in Cairo alongside Rafael Grossi, head of the UN’s International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), warned that no agreement would be reached if it meant halting Iran’s peaceful nuclear pursuits.

Grossi called for greater transparency from Iran after a leaked IAEA report revealed that Tehran had increased its production of uranium enriched up to 60%  just below weapons-grade levels. He emphasized that only full disclosure of Iran’s nuclear activities could restore trust.

Iran rejected the IAEA’s findings and accused Western powers of politicizing the agency’s work. Araghchi warned against using the report to justify reimposing nuclear-related sanctions, stating some countries are trying to manipulate the agency for escalation.

Iran continues to demand the lifting of US sanctions that have severely impacted its economy. Araghchi confirmed receiving parts of a US proposal following five rounds of negotiations, mediated by Oman.

Both Araghchi and Grossi met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who praised the diplomatic efforts and urged for de-escalation to avoid a regional conflict. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei reiterated that the lifting of sanctions remains a top priority for Tehran.

Steve Witkoff, the US envoy in the nuclear talks, stressed that uranium enrichment by Iran is a red line for the Trump team. “An enrichment program can never exist in the state of Iran ever again,” he said.

Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty echoed the need for a peaceful resolution, warning that military escalation would lead to widespread chaos in an already unstable region.

Despite international pressure, Iran has vowed to continue enriching uranium, with or without a deal. The New York Times reported that the US proposal suggests Iran halt all enrichment activities and instead support a regional initiative to develop nuclear energy for peaceful use.