White House Reaffirms Trump’s Firm Stance Against Iran’s Uranium Enrichment
The White House has reiterated that Donald Trump remains firmly opposed to any uranium enrichment within Iran, underscoring a key sticking point ahead of upcoming negotiations between Washington and Tehran.
White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated that the president’s “red lines” have not changed, emphasizing that the United States will not accept any agreement allowing Iran to enrich uranium domestically.
The clarification comes amid reports of differing proposals between the US and Iran following a recently announced two-week ceasefire. While Iran’s initial plan reportedly included recognition of its right to enrich uranium alongside sanctions relief, US officials rejected it outright.
“The idea that President Trump would ever accept an Iranian wish list as a deal is completely absurd,” Leavitt said, adding that Washington is committed to securing an agreement that aligns strictly with US interests.
Despite the disagreement, Trump has described a revised Iranian proposal as a “workable basis” for negotiations. Talks are set to begin in Islamabad, with the US delegation led by Vice President JD Vance, alongside envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
However, uncertainty surrounds the negotiations after Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf raised concerns about alleged ceasefire violations. He argued that continued military activity and restrictions on Iran’s nuclear rights undermine the basis for talks.
The issue of uranium enrichment has long been central to tensions between the two countries. While Iran insists its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes, the US has pushed for its complete dismantlement, citing concerns over potential weaponisation.
The ceasefire agreement, reached after more than a month of conflict, includes provisions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy route. The US has indicated that continued negotiations will depend on the uninterrupted flow of maritime traffic through the strait.
As both sides prepare for talks, the stark differences over nuclear policy highlight the challenges ahead. The upcoming Islamabad negotiations are expected to play a crucial role in determining whether the fragile ceasefire can evolve into a lasting agreement.
