US Special Envoy for Peace Missions Steve Witkoff said negotiations with Iran made clear that Tehran was not seriously interested in reaching a diplomatic agreement over its nuclear program, according to remarks made Tuesday on CNBC.
Speaking on CNBC’s Money Movers, Witkoff said US officials concluded early in the talks that Iran had little intention of making a deal that could halt its nuclear ambitions.
“When we came back and reported to the president, it was very, very clear that they were just not well motivated to reach an agreement,” Witkoff said on CNBC.
IRAN INSISTED ON THE RIGHT TO ENRICH URANIUM
Witkoff said negotiations began with Iranian officials asserting what they described as an “inalienable right” to enrich uranium.
“The negotiation opened with their lead negotiator stating unequivocally that they had the ‘inalienable right’ to enrich as a nation,” he said.
According to Witkoff, the Iranian delegation also made clear that certain parts of their nuclear program were non-negotiable.
“They were not going to give us what they felt we couldn’t win militarily,” he said.
Witkoff said that position signalled Tehran was unwilling to compromise on key elements of its nuclear program.
“That was the moment when we really knew that they had no intention of doing a deal with us,” he told CNBC.
TRUMP STILL OPEN TO TALKS
Despite the breakdown in negotiations, Witkoff said President Donald Trump remains open to diplomatic engagement if Iran signals genuine interest.
“The president has said that he’s open to communication,” Witkoff said on CNBC.
However, he questioned whether Tehran currently wants a diplomatic solution.
“The question today is the same as when we were negotiating with them — do they actually want a diplomatic solution? So far the evidence suggests no,” he said.
NUCLEAR CONCERNS REMAIN
Witkoff argued that Iran’s nuclear activities continue to raise serious concerns in Washington.
“There is no reason to be at 60 percent enrichment, none, zero reason, unless you’re pursuing a weapon,” he said on CNBC.
He also warned that Iran’s nuclear material could potentially be used in a dirty bomb, adding to the risks.
Witkoff said the Trump administration remains firm that Iran cannot acquire nuclear weapons.
“President Trump has drawn a red line, and that is that Iran cannot have a weapon,” he said. He added that Tehran should think carefully about escalating tensions with Washington. “President Trump is the wrong guy to go up against,” Witkoff said on CNBC. “I would suggest they don’t.”
With inputs from Reuters
