Fact Check: Trump's Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, was prepared to allow Iran to enrich uranium to 3.67 percent instead of demanding a complete cessation of its nuclear activities.

Fact Check: "Trump's Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, was prepared to allow Iran to enrich uranium to 3.67 percent instead of demanding a complete cessation of its nuclear activities."

What We Know

The claim revolves around statements made by Steve Witkoff, who served as the U.S. Special Envoy for Iran during the Trump administration. Reports indicate that Witkoff suggested a potential arrangement where Iran could enrich uranium up to 3.67 percent, which aligns with the limits set by the 2015 nuclear deal known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) that was abandoned by Trump in 2018 (source-1).

However, Witkoff also emphasized that any deal must include a complete cessation of Iran's nuclear enrichment capabilities, labeling enrichment as a "very clear red line" for the U.S. government (source-2). This position indicates a complex stance where low-level enrichment might be tolerated under specific conditions, but the overarching goal was to eliminate Iran's ability to enrich uranium entirely.

Analysis

The evidence suggests that while Witkoff did express a willingness to discuss limited enrichment (up to 3.67 percent), he simultaneously maintained that the ultimate U.S. position was that Iran must cease all enrichment activities. This duality in his statements indicates a nuanced approach rather than a straightforward allowance for enrichment.

For instance, in an interview, Witkoff stated, "We cannot have that because enrichment enables weaponization, and we will not allow a bomb to get here," reinforcing the U.S. stance against any enrichment that could lead to nuclear weapons (source-3). Additionally, reports from other sources confirm that Witkoff's discussions included the idea of capping enrichment but did not imply a full acceptance of Iran's enrichment capabilities without stringent conditions (source-4).

The reliability of these sources is generally high, as they include established news organizations like The New York Times and Reuters, which have a track record of covering international relations and U.S. foreign policy accurately. However, it is essential to note that the interpretation of Witkoff's statements can vary, and some reports may emphasize different aspects of his comments.

Conclusion

The claim that Witkoff was prepared to allow Iran to enrich uranium to 3.67 percent without demanding a complete cessation of its nuclear activities is Partially True. While there were indications of a willingness to discuss limited enrichment under specific conditions, Witkoff's overall position was firmly against allowing any enrichment that could lead to weaponization. Thus, the claim reflects a partial truth but lacks the full context of the U.S. administration's stringent demands regarding Iran's nuclear program.

Fact Check: Trump's Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, was prepared to allow Iran to enrich uranium to 3.67 percent instead of demanding a complete cessation of its nuclear activities.