Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witcoff, has stated that Iran must completely eliminate its nuclear program, contradicting his previous statement on Fox News, which would have allowed Iran to enrich uranium at a low level for civilian use.
This shift towards a more aggressive stance will make it difficult for the US to reach a negotiated agreement with Iran, increasing the likelihood of military action against Iran’s nuclear sites.
Additionally, it has been agreed that the next round of indirect US-Iran talks, scheduled to start on Saturday, will continue to take place in Oman instead of the proposed switch to Italy.
Witcoff emphasized in a statement on social media that any deal with Iran must be a “Trump deal” that prioritizes a framework for peace, stability, and prosperity in the Middle East. Iran must put an end to its nuclear enrichment and weaponization program.
However, just a day prior, Witkoff had mentioned on Fox News that the conversations with Iran would focus on uranium enrichment at 3.67% for civilian purposes. He stated that enrichment beyond this level was unnecessary.
The discrepancy in Witcoff’s positions raises questions, suggesting the possibility of an interim deal that limits Iranian uranium enrichment, separate from a final agreement that eliminates its nuclear program entirely.
Trump may have faced pushback from Iran hawks who criticized Witkoff’s initial stance as re-establishing Barack Obama’s nuclear deal with Iran, which Trump had withdrawn from in 2018.
This policy reversal showcases the chaotic nature of the administration’s foreign policy, where internal battles unfold behind the scenes, leaving the president either uninformed or disconnected from the intricacies of the decisions made in his name.
Witkoff, despite lacking diplomatic experience, has asserted himself as Trump’s messenger, believing that the proposals he presented were those of the president.
Iran has consistently asserted its right to maintain a civil nuclear program, and the latest US stance will likely cause unrest in Tehran, strengthening the position of hardliners who doubt the trustworthiness of the US.
In Tehran, there had been a rare consensus that talks between Witcoff and the Iranian foreign minister could lead to the lifting of some US sanctions, representing the most positive development in Iran-US relations in a decade.
The head of the UN nuclear inspectorate, Rafael Grossi, is scheduled to visit Iran this week to discuss improving access to the country’s nuclear sites.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/apr/15/trump-envoy-steve-witkoff-demands-iran-eliminate-nuclear-programme
