Washington, March 3 (SANA) U.S. Presidential Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff said the United States concluded in its most recent negotiations with Iran that a nuclear agreement was not achievable, despite what he described as Washington’s readiness to reach a “fair deal.”
Speaking to Fox News on Monday, Witkoff said Iranian officials asserted during the talks what they called an “inalienable right” to enrich nuclear fuel. He said the U.S. side maintained that the American president has the authority to seek a complete halt to Iran’s nuclear program.
Witkoff said Iranian negotiators stated in the first meeting that they possessed 460 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60 percent purity. Uranium enriched to that level is considered close to weapons-grade, typically around 90 percent, according to international nuclear standards. Witkoff said the quantity cited would be sufficient to produce multiple nuclear weapons if further enriched.
He also accused Iranian negotiators of using pressure tactics to extract concessions, calling the approach ineffective.
The United States and Iran held several rounds of indirect talks in Muscat and Geneva, with the latest session taking place on February 26. The negotiations were aimed at reaching an understanding on Iran’s nuclear activities amid heightened regional tensions.
The talks collapsed after the United States and Israel launched a large-scale military operation against Iran last Saturday, sharply escalating the crisis.
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