Focus on the BIG picture.
Sunday, Mar 22, 2026

US warns that if Sunday Iran talks aren’t productive, ‘they won’t continue’

US warns that if Sunday Iran talks aren’t productive, ‘they won’t continue’

US Special Envoy Signals Potential Shift in Strategy if Upcoming Discussions Fail to Yield Results
US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff has issued a warning that future negotiations with Iran regarding its nuclear program will not continue if the upcoming talks scheduled for Sunday do not yield productive results.

Witkoff emphasized that a lack of progress could lead the United States to reassess its approach.

In an interview, he noted that the US had refrained from holding another round of talks prior to this weekend to allow for clearer understandings with Iran, which are deemed necessary for meaningful discussions.

The upcoming high-level talks in Oman are expected to focus on a broader framework for future negotiations, although a technical team responsible for detailed aspects such as sanctions relief is not anticipated to participate.

Sources indicate that these discussions could involve both direct and indirect exchanges between the two nations.

Witkoff elaborated on the US expectations for the negotiations, stating unequivocally that an enrichment program must be dismantled, describing it as a 'red line' for the US.

This encompasses dismantling Iran’s enrichment facilities located at Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan, and ensuring that no processes related to weaponization are permitted.

In contrast, Iranian officials maintain that the ability to enrich uranium is a non-negotiable right.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reinforced this stance, asserting on social media that Iran has every right to possess the full nuclear fuel cycle.

Witkoff also drew parallels between the Iran negotiations and talks previously held with Russia concerning the Ukraine conflict, suggesting that the US may present incentives aimed at fostering a more cooperative relationship.

He expressed a vision where Iran could integrate into the international community, with opportunities for strategic partnerships contingent on Iran ceasing provocative actions.

The discussions will be exclusively centered on Iran's nuclear ambitions, marking a departure from earlier attempts by the Trump administration that sought to address a wider spectrum of issues, including Iran's regional activities and support for groups like Hamas and Hezbollah.

Witkoff acknowledged the US stance on Iran's regional behavior but emphasized that such topics should remain distinct from the urgent nuclear discussions, which are deemed essential and immediate.
Newsletter

Related Articles

0:00
0:00
Close
First Presidency Welcomes Thai Ambassador to Temple Square in Symbol of Deepening Cultural Ties
White House Unveils Trump’s National AI Framework to Accelerate Innovation and Secure U.S. Leadership
Trump’s White House Ballroom Architect Faces Intensifying Scrutiny as Project Debate Deepens
Trump Welcomes Kennedy Center Board to White House, Reinforcing Commitment to American Arts
Trump Signals Confidence and Strategic Focus in Pre-Departure White House Press Exchange
NBA Champion Oklahoma City Thunder Decline White House Visit Over Scheduling Constraints
NBA Champion Oklahoma City Thunder Decline White House Visit Over Scheduling Constraints
Deadly Cross-Border Strikes Between Russia and Ukraine Intensify Ahead of US-Led Peace Talks
Robert Mueller, Former FBI Director and Special Counsel, Dies at 81
Trump Administration Moves to Release Iranian Oil to Stabilize Global Energy Markets
US Congress Faces Risk of Lasting Decline as Institutional Strains Reach Critical Point
Scientists Introduce Climate-Resilient Apple Designed for a Warming World
SWAT Standoff Underway After Early-Morning Shooting Near Houston’s Washington Avenue
Saudi Arabia Expands US Military Access as UAE Braces for Prolonged Iran Conflict
Iran Launches Long-Range Missile Strike on Remote US-UK Base, Signaling Expanded Reach
Iran Launches Long-Range Missile Strike on Remote US-UK Base, Signaling Expanded Reach
UK Rules Out Cyprus Base Role in Joint US Self-Defence Framework
Trump Voices Surprise as Australia Declines Naval Role in Hormuz Amid Escalating Fuel Crisis
Trump Ally Steve Daines Plans Landmark Visit to Hong Kong, First by US Senator Since 2019
President Trump Honors Military Excellence at Commander in Chief Trophy Ceremony
White House Launches Sweeping Anti-Fraud Task Force to Protect Federal Benefits
White House Unveils Light-Touch AI Regulation Strategy to Boost Innovation and Global Leadership
Trump Administration Expands Campaign to Counter European Content Restrictions
Trump Administration Delays Bank Citizenship Order Following Wall Street Concerns
CBS News to Shut Down Century-Old Radio Service as Bari Weiss Drives Strategic Overhaul
Washington State’s New Millionaire Tax Sparks Debate Over ‘Marriage Penalty’
Senator Ernst Pushes New Effort to Expose Hidden Federal Spending Practices
Washington County Considers Renaming Road to Honor Charlie J. Kirk
Remains of Fallen Soldier Repatriated Following Death in Saudi Arabia
Iran Issues Stark Warning to Britain Over US Base Access Amid Expanding Conflict
United Kingdom Authorizes US Strikes from British Bases as Iran Threatens Key Shipping Routes
US–Australia Tensions Intensify as Strategic Rift Tests Albanese Government at Home
Apple issues an unusual warning: this is how your iPhone can be hacked without you doing anything
‘Good Trip’ and ‘The Sea Speaks His Name’ Take Top Honors at Hong Kong Film Financing Forum
East Texas Secures $16 Billion Gas Power Hub Under U.S.-Japan Investment Drive
Trump Administration Rejects Oil Export Ban in Talks With Energy Leaders
Trump Hosts Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi for High-Stakes White House Talks
Trump Hosts Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi for High-Stakes White House Talks
Pentagon Moves Toward $200 Billion Funding Push as Iran Conflict Expands
U.S. Weighs Easing Iran Oil Sanctions as Gulf Energy Attacks Shake Global Markets
Vance Faces Political Crossroads as Support for Military Action Tests His Base
Trump Confronts Limits of Federal Reserve Authority as Powell Remains in Place
Washington State Moves to Ban Masked Law Enforcement Officers Under New Proposal
Washington State Moves to Tackle DUI Testing Backlog with New Legislation
US Investigates Drone Sightings Over Washington Military Residential Area
US Investigates Drone Sightings Over Washington Military Residential Area
Trump Reshapes Federal Watchdog System, Blurring Traditional Oversight Boundaries
United States Urges Citizens to Leave Saudi Arabia Amid Escalating Regional Conflict
Markets Look to Trump–Xi Summit for Direction as Conflict Shakes Hong Kong and China Stocks
Markets Look to Trump–Xi Summit for Direction as Conflict Shakes Hong Kong and China Stocks
×