TRANSPARENCY NEEDED. Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty (2nd left) meets with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi (2nd right) in Cairo on Monday. The UN nuclear watchdog’s chief called for more transparency from Iran after a leaked report from the agency showed Tehran had stepped up uranium enrichment. AFP
| Published June 3, 2025
U.S. President Donald Trump declared that any new nuclear agreement with Iran would prohibit uranium enrichment entirely. This statement contradicts a proposal from his special envoy, Steve Witkoff, which reportedly allowed Iran to conduct low-level uranium enrichment for civilian purposes under strict conditions.
The U.S. proposal, delivered via Omani mediation, included provisions for Iran to enrich uranium up to 3% for civilian use, contingent upon deactivating underground facilities and agreeing to robust monitoring. However, President Trump’s subsequent remarks on Truth Social emphasized a zero-tolerance stance on uranium enrichment, leading to confusion about the U.S. position.
Iranian officials have expressed dissatisfaction with the U.S. proposal, citing the lack of clarity on sanctions relief and the demand to halt enrichment activities. A senior Iranian diplomat indicated that Iran is preparing a negative response, which could be interpreted as a rejection of the offer.
The internal inconsistencies within the U.S. administration’s approach have cast doubt on the prospects of reaching a new nuclear agreement with Iran. The situation remains fluid, with diplomatic efforts ongoing but facing significant challenges.
🔍 Implications of Trump’s Iran Nuclear Deal Comments
1. Mixed Messaging Undermines U.S. Diplomacy
President Trump’s public rejection of any uranium enrichment — even for civilian use — contradicts leaked terms of a U.S. proposal that allowed limited enrichment under strict monitoring.
This internal inconsistency damages U.S. credibility and gives Iran reason to doubt American negotiation seriousness, likely derailing talks in the short term.
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2. Increased Risk of Middle East Escalation
Iran is already signaling it may reject the proposed deal, and Trump’s hardline stance may push Tehran to resume or accelerate high-level enrichment, risking a military confrontation with Israel or even the U.S.
A diplomatic breakdown could reignite tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, jeopardizing global oil supplies and prices.
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3. Impacts on U.S. Alliances
European allies, who tend to favor a more pragmatic nuclear containment approach, may distance themselves from Washington’s all-or-nothing posture.
Israel, by contrast, may welcome Trump’s maximalist view, seeing it as a more secure stance — but at the cost of international cooperation.
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4. Domestic Political Ramifications
Trump’s statement reinforces his tough-on-Iran credentials, which could resonate with voters ahead of the 2026 midterms.
However, the contradiction with his envoy’s proposal could open him to accusations of chaotic or incoherent foreign policy, even from hawkish allies.
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5. Diplomatic Channels with Oman and Others at Risk
Oman, acting as the quiet middleman in the talks, may now be viewed as facilitating a deal the White House isn’t actually supporting, straining back-channel diplomacy and future trust-building.
🧭 Overall Takeaway:
President Trump’s emphatic rejection of any uranium enrichment by Iran—despite earlier reports of a U.S. offer allowing limited civilian enrichment—exposes serious fractures within the administration’s Iran policy and significantly jeopardizes ongoing diplomatic efforts.
This public contradiction not only undermines U.S. negotiating credibility but also sends a confusing signal to Iran, allies, and adversaries alike. It reflects a shift back toward maximum pressure rather than pragmatic containment, raising the likelihood of renewed tensions in the Middle East, further diplomatic isolation, and a potential escalation toward military confrontation.
In essence: What was meant to be a nuclear off-ramp is now looking like a dead-end.
SOURCES: THE MANILA STANDARD – Iran deal would not allow ‘any’ uranium enrichment — Trump
THE JERUSALEM POST – Trump clarifies US nuclear agreement with Iran would not allow any uranium enrichment
AP NEWS – Trump appears to undercut US proposal to Iran, declaring he won’t allow any uranium enrichment
ANADOLU AJANSI – US will not allow any enrichment of uranium by Iran: Trump
