Trump Questions Why Iran Has Not Yielded Despite US Pressure, Says Special Envoy

In his remarks, Witkoff conveyed that Trump is puzzled by Tehran’s resilience, stating, “The president asked me this morning… he’s curious as to why they haven’t, I don’t wanna use the word capitulated, but why they haven’t capitulated.” The envoy emphasized that Washington anticipates a formal Iranian acknowledgment that it is not pursuing nuclear weapons, along with concrete steps to demonstrate compliance.

Iranian officials, however, have consistently stressed the peaceful nature of the country’s nuclear program, noting that nuclear technology is strictly for civil purposes. They also point to a Fatwa issued by the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, prohibiting possession or use of weapons of mass destruction.

Witkoff further noted that the US views uranium enrichment as a “red line” in negotiations, demanding Iran halt enrichment activities. Iranian authorities, however, maintain that any agreement requiring zero enrichment is unacceptable. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi recently clarified in an MSNBC interview that Washington has not demanded complete cessation of uranium enrichment in recent talks in Geneva.

Analysts note that the exchange highlights the persistent gap between US expectations and Iran’s red lines, as well as the ongoing challenges in reconciling contradictory statements from American officials with Tehran’s publicly stated positions, complicating the path to a negotiated settlement.