Witkoff: Iran Nuclear Deal Must Be Permanent, Have No Expiration/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ White House envoy Steve Witkoff said any future Iran nuclear deal must last indefinitely. The Trump administration wants to eliminate “sunset provisions” from a new agreement. Talks in Geneva this week may determine whether diplomacy continues or tensions escalate.
Quick Look
- What: U.S. demands no expiration dates in new Iran nuclear deal
- Who: Envoy Steve Witkoff speaking to AIPAC donors
- Where: Ahead of Geneva nuclear talks
- Key Issue: Eliminating “sunset provisions” from any agreement
- Other Topics: Uranium enrichment and Iran’s stockpile
- What’s at Stake: Diplomacy vs. potential military escalation
Witkoff Says Any Iran Nuclear Deal Must Last Indefinitely
White House envoy Steve Witkoff told a private audience this week that the Trump administration is insisting any future nuclear agreement with Iran must have no expiration date, according to a U.S. official and two other sources familiar with his remarks.
The comments come just days before another round of U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations in Geneva — a meeting widely seen as a pivotal moment in determining whether diplomacy will continue.
No More “Sunset Provisions”
According to sources, Witkoff told donors at an event hosted by AIPAC in Washington that the administration’s starting position is that there can be no “sunset provisions” in a new deal.
“We start with the Iranians with the premise that there is no sunset provision,” Witkoff said, according to those present. “Whether we get a deal or not, our premise is: you have to behave for the rest of your lives.”
The 2015 nuclear agreement brokered under former President Barack Obama included phased expiration dates on key restrictions, with limits gradually lifting between eight and 25 years after signing. President Donald Trump withdrew from that deal during his first term, criticizing those sunset clauses as a fundamental flaw.
Eliminating expiration dates would allow Trump to present any new agreement as tougher and more durable than the previous accord.
Focus of Current Talks
The next round of negotiations is scheduled for Thursday in Geneva. Witkoff and presidential adviser Jared Kushner are expected to meet Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
According to sources, the current talks are centered on two core issues:
- Iran’s ability to enrich uranium
- The future of Iran’s existing stockpile of enriched uranium
Iran has long insisted it must retain the right to enrich uranium on its own soil. U.S. officials have signaled that Trump could consider allowing limited or “token” enrichment if strict safeguards prevent weaponization.
Iran has previously said it is open to a stronger agreement. In a recent interview, Araghchi said Tehran could sign a “better” deal that would ensure its nuclear program remains peaceful indefinitely.
What Happens Next
Witkoff reportedly told donors that if a nuclear agreement is reached, Washington would seek follow-up negotiations addressing Iran’s missile program and support for regional proxy groups. He also suggested that regional countries could participate in those future talks.
The Geneva meeting is widely viewed as a potential turning point. The recommendation Witkoff and Kushner deliver to Trump afterward could influence whether the president continues negotiations or shifts toward military action.
In his State of the Union address, Trump said he prefers diplomacy but warned that Iran cannot be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon.
Vice President JD Vance echoed that stance in a television interview, saying Trump is committed to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear arms and is prepared to use multiple tools to achieve that goal.
For now, both sides say they want to avoid war. Araghchi recently said progress had been made in prior discussions and that negotiations could form the basis of a new agreement.
Whether that agreement will meet the Trump administration’s demand for permanence remains the central question heading into Geneva.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.