Washington: US President Donald Trump's Middle East Envoy, Steve Witkoff, has raised alarms by stating that Iran could be merely "a week away" from producing industrial-grade bomb-making material, emphasizing the critical nature of the situation and reiterating Washington's firm stance in ongoing nuclear discussions.

According to Anadolu Agency, Witkoff, in an interview with Fox News, remarked that Iran has already enriched uranium to a level of 60%, which he indicated far exceeds the requirements for civilian nuclear activities. "They're probably a week away from having industrial-grade bomb-making material," he stated, highlighting the urgency of the situation. "That's really dangerous. So they can't have that."

Witkoff detailed the instructions given by President Trump prior to engaging in talks with Iran. Trump reportedly mandated both him and Jared Kushner, the president's son-in-law and unofficial aide, to ensure "zero enrichment" and to advocate for the return of nuclear materials. Witkoff reiterated the US's firm position that Iran must cease uranium enrichment and surrender its accumulated stockpile, noting, "There have been some very hard red lines drawn."

Witkoff also mentioned Trump's inquiries regarding why Iran, despite facing substantial US pressure and the presence of naval forces in the region, has not yet declared that it is not pursuing nuclear weapons. As part of his efforts, Witkoff confirmed a meeting with Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran's former shah, to discuss the situation, including the protests occurring within Iran. He described Pahlavi as a person deeply concerned about his homeland, though he clarified that US policy decisions will ultimately align with Trump's approach.

As of now, there has been no official response from Iran addressing Witkoff's assertions.