Trump on Iran: "WE WILL NOT ALLOW ANY ENRICHMENT OF URANIUM!”

By Kamaran Aziz

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — The U.S. President Donald Trump declared a firm stance against any form of uranium enrichment by Iran under a potential nuclear deal, even as leaked details of a U.S. proposal suggest otherwise, triggering controversy and renewed scrutiny of American policy on Iran's nuclear ambitions.

In a post on his official Truth Social account on Tuesday, Trump wrote, "The AUTOPEN should have stopped Iran a long time ago from 'enriching.' Under our potential Agreement — WE WILL NOT ALLOW ANY ENRICHMENT OF URANIUM!"

Trump’s comments, as reported by Axios, appear to contradict the recent nuclear proposal made by his administration's envoy, Steve Witkoff, to Tehran. According to two sources cited by Axios with direct knowledge of the offer, the proposal would permit limited low-level enrichment on Iranian soil for an undefined period. It does not require the complete dismantlement of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, contrary to public statements made by Witkoff and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

The White House, when asked about the discrepancy, did not deny any details. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the administration would not comment on the proposal's specifics "out of respect for the ongoing deal."

The potential for such flexibility has sparked alarm among Iran hawks in Washington and Tel Aviv. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, alongside dozens of Republican senators, has consistently urged the U.S. to enforce strict conditions including zero enrichment and total dismantlement of Iran’s nuclear program. According to Axios, Trump privately cautioned Netanyahu not to take any action that could jeopardize the negotiations.

Details of the proposal, revealed by Axios, outline that Iran would:

- Be prohibited from building new enrichment facilities;

- Dismantle key infrastructure for uranium conversion and processing;

- Halt new R&D on centrifuges;

- Limit enrichment temporarily to 3%, a level aligned with civilian nuclear energy needs;

- Make underground enrichment facilities non-operational for a set period;

- Adhere to IAEA guidelines and permit immediate activation of the Additional Protocol for inspections.

However, the proposal does not clarify the timing or mechanism for lifting U.S. sanctions, a core concern for Tehran. Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei stated on Monday that the U.S. had yet to provide sufficient assurances and that Iran was still reviewing the offer.

As negotiations continue, a confidential International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) report cited by The Washington Post reveals that Iran now possesses approximately 900 pounds of uranium enriched up to 60% — just short of weapons-grade — an increase of nearly 300 pounds since February.

This accumulation has further inflamed concerns from Israel. In a statement, Netanyahu’s office asserted that the IAEA report serves as a "clear warning sign" of Iran’s intent to pursue nuclear weapons, stating, "despite countless warnings by the international community, Iran is totally determined to complete its nuclear weapons program."

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi, speaking at a Vienna news conference, said there remains a possibility for agreement if both sides show willingness, despite stark differences over uranium enrichment.

Meanwhile, Iran’s top nuclear negotiator Abbas Araghchi confirmed via a Saturday post on X that Tehran had received the U.S. proposal through Omani mediation. While reiterating Iran's openness to diplomacy, Araghchi stated separately that "whether or not we need enrichment — and we do — it’s unacceptable for some to impose restrictions on us just because they consider themselves powerful."

According to The Washington Post, Iran’s enriched uranium reserves could be sufficient to produce up to 10 nuclear weapons, citing expert David Albright of the Institute for Science and International Security. Albright also observed a deliberate depletion of Iran’s 20% stockpile in favor of higher-enrichment levels.

Trump has threatened military action should negotiations fail. "They don’t want to be blown up," he told reporters Friday in the Oval Office. "We can blow up a lab, but nobody is gonna be in a lab, as opposed to everybody being in the lab and blowing it up."

A sixth round of nuclear talks is expected in the coming days, as Iran and the United States edge closer to either a breakthrough or confrontation. With Israel preparing for the possibility of unilateral action and Iran holding fast to its enrichment rights, the next phase of diplomacy could prove decisive for regional stability.