In an interview aired last night (Monday to Tuesday) on Fox News, U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff outlined the current American position on Iran. He stated that the U.S. administration does not intend to dismantle Iran’s nuclear program.
A shift from the previous administration
According to Witkoff, the United States wants Iran to limit uranium enrichment to 3.67%, as agreed in the 2015 nuclear deal. “The president has been clear—Iran does not need to enrich past 3.67%. In some circumstances, they’re at 60%, in other circumstances 20%. That cannot be.”
Witkoff also addressed Iran’s missile program, which was not part of the original deal, saying Washington seeks to include it in future agreements despite Iran’s firm opposition. “we seek verification on the enrichment program and then ultimately verification on weaponization,” he said, “That includes missiles — the type of missiles that they have stockpiled. And it includes the trigger for a bomb.”
“Iran wants a deal”
President Trump warned yesterday that if Iran does not give up its nuclear ambitions, it will face a strong response—including strikes on its facilities. He also said Iran wants a deal, but doesn’t know how to get it.
Talks to resume in Oman
Witkoff’s comments come as Iran’s Foreign Ministry announced that the next round of talks between Washington and Tehran will be held in Oman, rather than in Rome as initially reported. According to Iran International, the Italian government asked to host the negotiations itself and refused to allow them to take place at the Omani embassy in Rome, leading to the change in location to the Gulf.
The Iranian side has not shown agreement on the matter. According to a report in the Iranian Tehran Times, during talks held Saturday in Oman, Iran informed the U.S. it would not agree to dismantle its nuclear program. However, the Iranians expressed a willingness to allow the International Atomic Energy Agency to inspect nuclear sites to confirm they are not developing weapons.
Iran demands sanctions relief
The report also noted that Iran is demanding the removal of certain sanctions, along with guarantees that the U.S. will not reimpose them. Iran’s foreign minister has even proposed a preliminary framework to continue the negotiations.
