US Sets ‘Red Line’ on Iran Enrichment as Nuclear Talks Intensify

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent

(Worthy News) – U.S. special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff said Sunday that the Trump administration’s nuclear talks with Iran hinge on a single non-negotiable condition: Tehran must abandon all uranium enrichment.

“We have one very, very clear red line, and that is enrichment. We cannot allow even 1% of an enrichment capability,” Witkoff said on ABC’s This Week. “Everything begins… with a deal that does not include enrichment… because enrichment enables weaponization. And we will not allow a bomb to get here.”

In response, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi wrote on X: “Enrichment in Iran… will continue with or without a deal.” He added, “If the US is interested in ensuring that Iran will not have nuclear weapons, a deal is within reach.”

According to Iran’s Tasnim news agency, Araghchi called Witkoff “completely at a distance from the reality of the negotiations ” and insisted Iran would not halt enrichment.

Witkoff acknowledged shifting U.S. policy, noting earlier flexibility on enrichment. “We’ve delivered a proposal to the Iranians… We want to get to a solution here,” he said, indicating further talks in Europe this week.

On Friday, President Trump warned from Abu Dhabi: “They know they have to move quickly or something bad is going to happen.”

Iran has denied receiving any written proposal from the U.S., despite media reports and Trump’s remarks suggesting otherwise. Araghchi reaffirmed: “There were no proposals — whether directly or indirectly.”

As uranium enrichment approaches weapons-grade levels, tensions are rising. Trump and Israeli leaders continue to threaten military options if diplomacy fails.

MILITARY PREPARED IF DIPLOMACY FAILS

If diplomacy fails, the United States, along with Israel, is prepared to proceed with military action against the Iranian nuclear program, as the Pentagon has deployed two carrier strike groups in the region, along with the build-up of fighter jets, bombers, and support aircraft positioned near Iran. The U.S. also deployed additional air defense systems in Israel in the event a war broke out with Iran.

IRAN’S NUCLEAR AMBITIONS CONNECTED TO PROPHECY?

While the West often views Iran’s nuclear program through a secular lens, the spiritual aspect, which plays a central role in driving Iran’s nuclear ambitions, should not be overlooked. Iran is the only country where Twelver Shi’ism is the state religion.

Twelver Shīʿism, the largest branch of Shīʿa Islam, makes up about 85% of Shīʿas. “Twelver” signifies belief in twelve divinely appointed leaders, the Twelve Imams, with the last, Imam al-Mahdi, expected to return as the Mahdi. Twelvers see the Imams as Muhammad’s spiritual and political successors, guiding with justice and interpreting the inner meanings of the Qur’an and Islamic law. They are viewed as infallible (Ismah) and divinely chosen (nass).

The Twelvers believe that the Mahdi is expected to appear in times of extreme chaos, returning alongside Jesus as a messiah to bring peace and establish Islam globally.

Twelver beliefs, Iran’s nuclear ambitions, and threats toward Israel and the West have raised concerns. Critics suggest that Iran’s Supreme Leader might incite conflict to hasten the 12th Imam’s arrival. Former Iranian President Ahmadinejad has even called for the Imam’s return at the UN, asserting that the Islamic Revolution’s primary goal is to prepare for his reappearance.

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