U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff said on Sunday that the Trump administration has drawn a firm red line in ongoing nuclear negotiations with Iran: zero tolerance for uranium enrichment.

“We have one very, very clear red line, and that is enrichment. We cannot allow even 1% of an enrichment capability,” Witkoff said in an appearance on ABC’s This Week. “Everything begins with a deal that does not include enrichment… because enrichment enables weaponization, and we will not allow a bomb to get here.”

The comments mark a notable hardening of the U.S. position. Earlier this year, Witkoff had floated the possibility of permitting Iran to retain a limited enrichment capability under strict oversight. Now, that window appears shut.

“We’ve delivered a proposal to the Iranians that we think addresses some of this without disrespecting them,” Witkoff added, signaling that Washington is still eager for a diplomatic breakthrough—but not at the expense of security.

Negotiators are expected to reconvene this week in Europe for what could be a decisive round of talks. “We hope that it will lead to some real positivity,” Witkoff said, though he stopped short of predicting a breakthrough.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)