Iran Talks in Jeopardy as Witkoff Demands Dismantling of Nuclear Facilities

U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff took a hardline position on Friday, declaring that Iran must fully dismantle its nuclear enrichment infrastructure—a demand Tehran has long identified as a red line. Witkoff, in turn, said this has now become a red line for Washington as well.

“An enrichment program can never exist in the state of Iran ever again. That’s our red line,” Witkoff stated in a televised interview.

He went on to say that if the upcoming fourth round of indirect talks—scheduled for Sunday in Oman between himself and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi—does not yield results, negotiations will end. The U.S., he said, would be forced to pursue a “different path.”

Witkoff added that Iran would have “no choice” under this alternative approach and warned that Tehran would not want to test President Donald Trump’s resolve.

His remarks came just a day after President Trump made a stark ultimatum, stating that Iran’s centrifuges would either “blow up nicely” through a deal or “viciously” without one.

Washington’s position on Iran’s nuclear program has shifted significantly over the past two months. Initially open to allowing uranium enrichment at 3.67%—a level suitable for civilian energy use—the U.S. now appears to be demanding the complete dismantlement of Iran’s nuclear program, a condition Iranian officials have consistently rejected.

Witkoff had previously signaled a willingness to accept a civilian nuclear program in Iran but quickly walked back those comments following criticism from Trump loyalists.

Despite recent reports of tensions between President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu—reportedly due to Trump’s perception that Netanyahu is pressuring him into military confrontation—both leaders appear united in demanding the full dismantling of Iran’s enrichment capabilities. Netanyahu has repeatedly stated that partial measures are unacceptable.

If Witkoff maintains this position during Sunday’s talks, it is likely that the negotiations will collapse. In that case, the United States is expected to place blame on Iran for the breakdown in diplomacy.