Washington: President Donald Trump's Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, emphasized that preventing uranium enrichment remains a firm "red line" for the United States regarding Iran's nuclear program. He stated that an enrichment program should never exist in Iran again, highlighting the US position of "no enrichment," which entails dismantlement and no weaponization of nuclear facilities.

According to Anadolu Agency, Witkoff, in an interview with Breitbart News, specified that Iran's enrichment facilities-Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan-must be dismantled. This stance aligns with President Trump's consistent message that Iran "cannot have a nuclear weapon" and his threats of military action should a new agreement not replace the 2015 nuclear deal established during the Barack Obama administration.

Following a written exchange in March between President Trump and Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, indirect negotiations took place in Oman and Rome. Despite both parties claiming some progress, recent US sanctions on seven companies involved in Iranian oil trade, including those based in the United Arab Emirates and Trkiye, have escalated tensions.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth further intensified the situation by accusing Iran of providing "lethal support" to the Yemeni Houthi group, threatening potential retaliation via social media. In response, an Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman criticized the US for its "contradictory and provocative statements" amidst ongoing negotiations.