Iran rejects Trump nuclear deal proposal as WSJ reveals negotiation details
Photo: Donald Trump, President of the United States (Getty Images)
Talks between the United States and Iran in Geneva on February 26 ended without a deal, with the sides still far apart on key issues, according to The Wall Street Journal.
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During the talks, Trump envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner said Iran must dismantle its three main nuclear facilities, Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan, and hand over its remaining enriched uranium to the United States.
US officials also insisted any nuclear deal should be permanent, unlike the agreement reached under Barack Obama’s administration.
Donald Trump withdrew from that deal, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, during his first presidential term and reimposed strict sanctions on Iran.
In Geneva, Iran rejected the idea of transferring its uranium stockpiles abroad and opposed halting enrichment, dismantling nuclear facilities, or accepting permanent restrictions on its nuclear program.
At the same time, Oman’s foreign minister and a US representative said progress had been made and that further talks were likely. According to Oman’s side, technical-level negotiations will continue in Vienna next week.
The US demands came after Trump warned in a congressional address that Iran continues developing nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles capable of reaching the United States.
Based on public reporting and statements by US officials, Trump has also signaled the possibility of military action if no deal is reached while continuing to deploy forces in the region.
Iran-US talks
A day earlier, Axios reported that Witkoff privately outlined what any future nuclear deal with Iran should look like, saying it must impose permanent limits on Tehran’s nuclear program.
Reuters recently reported that Iran is willing to make concessions on its nuclear program but is demanding sanctions relief and recognition of its right to enrich uranium.
Trump has not ruled out military options. According to Reuters, Washington is considering several scenarios, from limited strikes to a broader regime-change strategy in Iran.
