US Envoy Warns Iran Could Be Close to Weapons-Grade Enrichment Amid Renewed Tensions
Fresh concerns have emerged in Washington over Iran’s nuclear trajectory after US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff suggested Tehran could be nearing the capability to enrich uranium to weapons-grade levels.
In a televised interview with Fox News, Witkoff said Iran might be “probably a week away” from producing highly enriched uranium suitable for bomb-making, describing the prospect as “dangerous.” He stressed that such a development would cross a critical threshold for US security planners.
However, he did not provide detailed intelligence assessments during the interview, and there was no immediate public evidence presented indicating that Iran has assembled all the components required to build or deploy a nuclear weapon.
Rising Strain Between Washington and Tehran
The remarks come amid renewed friction between the administration of US President Donald Trump and Iran’s leadership under Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Tensions have remained elevated since last year’s US military action targeting nuclear-related facilities inside Iran, an operation that significantly escalated bilateral hostility.
While US officials describe their approach as preventive and deterrent, Tehran has repeatedly insisted that its nuclear program is intended for civilian energy purposes.
Regional Signals and Security Calculations
Separately, regional media outlets have reported that Iran’s Revolutionary Guard elements are closely monitoring allied militia movements across the Middle East, including developments involving Hezbollah. Those reports, though not independently verified by US authorities, have added to broader concerns about a potential spillover into regional conflict.
US defense planners have continued to maintain a heightened military posture in surrounding waters, reinforcing what officials characterize as a readiness strategy rather than preparation for imminent escalation.
Domestic Pressures Inside Iran
Witkoff also pointed to renewed domestic unrest inside Iran, noting that internal political pressure could be influencing Tehran’s external posture. Protests have resurfaced in several cities and university campuses, reflecting ongoing economic strain and political dissatisfaction within the country.
Observers say internal instability and international pressure often intersect in shaping Iran’s negotiating stance, particularly in high-stakes discussions over uranium enrichment levels and inspection regimes.
Diplomatic Window Still Open
Despite the tough rhetoric, diplomatic channels remain active. Indirect negotiations between US and Iranian representatives continue through intermediaries in Europe and the Gulf region. Analysts note that warnings about enrichment timelines are often used as leverage in negotiations, aimed at accelerating compromise before a critical threshold is reached.
For now, the question remains whether escalating warnings signal an imminent breakthrough — or a deeper standoff in one of the world’s most sensitive nuclear disputes.
