US special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff said Sunday that the Trump administration’s “red line” in nuclear talks with Iran was that Tehran cannot maintain any ability to enrich uranium.

Axar.az, citing Times of Israel, reports that as US-Iran talks enter technical phase, Islamic Republic insists on right to enrichment, says it hasn’t received US proposal and warns diplomacy must be based on ‘reality’

“We have one very, very clear red line, and that is enrichment. We cannot allow even 1% of an enrichment capability,” Witkoff told ABC’s “This Week.”

Witkoff said negotiators would likely be meeting this week in Europe for another round of talks.

In response, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi posted on his X account: “If the US is interested in ensuring that Iran will not have nuclear weapons, a deal is within reach, and we are ready for a serious conversation to achieve a solution that will forever ensure that outcome. Enrichment in Iran, however, will continue with or without a deal."

Western countries, including the United States and Israel, have long accused Iran of seeking to acquire nuclear weapons.