Asserting zero enrichment policy,Trump Declares ‘No Uranium Enrichment’ as Iran Nuclear Talks Falter. U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Monday that his administration “will not allow any enrichment of uranium” under a proposed new nuclear deal with Iran.
His firm declaration, made via social media, came shortly after media reports suggested that the U.S. negotiating team, led by Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, had offered Tehran a more flexible interim deal.
While Trump’s post signals a hardline stance, conflicting reports suggest that the White House may have recently floated a proposal allowing limited enrichment for civilian purposes a move that has triggered backlash from both domestic hawks and Iranian officials.
Trump Declares ‘No Uranium Enrichment’ as Iran Nuclear Talks Falter
A Conflicted Message: U.S. Proposal Allows Limited Enrichment
Multiple reports, including those from Axios and The New York Times, have revealed that the U.S. may have offered a provisional deal permitting Iran to enrich uranium at low levels under strict oversight. This would apply to enrichment intended for peaceful purposes like nuclear medicine and power generation.
The interim deal, reportedly authored by Steve Witkoff, seeks to prevent Iran from reaching weapons-grade enrichment while offering a temporary solution as broader negotiations continue.
It suggests forming a multinational consortium including Middle Eastern countries and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to oversee enrichment activities. However, this reported flexibility appears to contradict Trump’s latest declaration, which insists on a total ban on enrichment.
Trump: “We Will Not Allow Any Enrichment of Uranium”
On Monday evening, President Trump doubled down on his zero-tolerance policy, posting on Truth Social: “Under our potential Agreement WE WILL NOT ALLOW ANY ENRICHMENT OF URANIUM.”
His comment underscores the administration’s official position that Iran should abandon all domestic enrichment capabilities and rely instead on international supply chains for civilian nuclear needs.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reaffirmed the president’s message, saying,
“President Trump has made it clear that Iran can never obtain a nuclear bomb… Special Envoy Witkoff has sent a detailed and acceptable proposal to the Iranian regime, and it’s in their best interest to accept it.”
Iran Responds: “We Will Not Give Up Our Right to Enrichment”
Iran has pushed back strongly against U.S. conditions. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized that Tehran will not accept any deal that limits its sovereign right to enrich uranium, stating,
“We do not need anyone’s permission to enrich uranium. Without respecting our right to enrichment, there will be no agreement.”
Iran has also raised concerns about the ambiguity surrounding sanctions relief. Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said, “The American side has not yet provided the necessary clarity on how and through what mechanism sanctions will be lifted.”
This demand for a guaranteed end to sanctions reflects deep skepticism in Tehran, fueled by past U.S. policy reversals.
Iran Nuclear Stockpile Increases Amid Stalled Talks
Meanwhile, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has reported that Iran has increased its stockpile of uranium enriched close to weapons-grade levels. While still below the 90% threshold required for a nuclear bomb, Iran is enriching uranium up to 60% far above the 4% typically needed for civilian energy.
Though Iran insists its nuclear program remains peaceful, recent rhetoric and technical developments have raised international alarm. According to a leaked UN document, Iran’s uranium reserves continue to grow despite ongoing negotiations. Tehran has dismissed the findings, accusing Western governments of manipulating the IAEA.
Enrichment Location Remains a Sticking Point
Another unresolved issue is the location of any future enrichment facilities. Iran has suggested constructing them on Kish or Qeshm islands territory under its sovereignty while the U.S. insists the facilities must be outside Iran, where they can be more easily monitored.
The U.S. proposal reportedly offers help in building nuclear reactors and encourages Iran to join a regional consortium, but only if enrichment is halted on Iranian soil. Iranian officials have firmly rejected this condition, maintaining they must retain operational control.
Negotiation Momentum Stalls Amid U.S. Policy Confusion
According to sources familiar with the negotiations, the momentum behind talks has collapsed. An Iranian official told CNN that the latest U.S. proposal is
“incoherent and disjointed, very unrealistic, and with excessive demands.”
The same official criticized the shifting positions of the U.S. administration, suggesting that inconsistent messaging from Washington is the main obstacle to progress.
The latest round of nuclear talks in Rome concluded on May 23 without a breakthrough. Though both sides had agreed to meet again, insiders say a follow-up round now appears unlikely.
Iran Preparing to Reject Proposal
Reuters, citing anonymous Iranian diplomats, reported that Tehran is drafting a rejection of the U.S. proposal, viewing it as a “non-starter.” The proposal’s failure to ease the American stance on enrichment or provide a clear sanctions exit strategy is seen as unacceptable by Iranian negotiators.
“Receiving a text certainly does not mean accepting it,” Baghaei noted.
“Nor does it even mean that it is acceptable.” This response puts the future of the deal in question, despite Trump’s repeated optimism that an agreement is near.
Conclusion: Nuclear Deal Hangs by a Thread
As the U.S. and Iran continue their diplomatic dance, the future of the nuclear deal remains precarious. President Trump’s categorical rejection of uranium enrichment directly contradicts earlier media reports of potential flexibility in the U.S. stance.
With Iran insisting on its right to enrich and demanding concrete sanctions relief, and the U.S. demanding total cessation of enrichment, the gap between both sides appears too wide to bridge for now. Unless a major diplomatic breakthrough is achieved soon, the prospect of a new Iran nuclear deal may unravel completely, raising the specter of further regional instability and renewed military threats.
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