Iranian officials last month said their country possessed enough enriched fuel to build 11 nuclear bombs, according to special envoy Steve Witkoff.
Witkoff revealed in a televised interview that during indirect talks, Iranian negotiators openly acknowledged they controlled roughly 460 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60% purity — enough, if further refined, to produce 11 nukes.
According to Witkoff, the admission came "with no shame" and was presented as part of Tehran's opening negotiating position.
The discussions, which began Feb. 6 in Oman and concluded Thursday in Geneva, were described as a last-ditch effort by President Donald Trump to reach a diplomatic solution before taking military action.
Witkoff and Jared Kushner represented the U.S. in the talks.
"In that first meeting, both the Iranian negotiators said to us directly … that they controlled 460 kilograms of 60% [enriched uranium] and that they’re aware that could make 11 nuclear bombs," Witkoff said on Fox News.
He added that Iranian officials also claimed an "inalienable right" to enrich uranium.
Witkoff said the U.S. delegation pushed back forcefully, responding that Trump believes America has the "inalienable right to stop you dead in your tracks."
He described Tehran's posture as defiant and said it quickly became clear a meaningful agreement would be difficult, if not impossible.
According to Witkoff, Iran has roughly 10,000 kilograms of fissionable material, including both 60% and 20% enriched uranium.
He warned that 60% enriched uranium could be brought to weapons-grade 90% purity within about a week to 10 days. The 20% material could be converted within several weeks.
International Atomic Energy Agency estimates cited by CBS News showed that as of mid-2025, Iran had amassed significant quantities of 60% enriched uranium — far beyond levels needed for civilian energy production.
The U.N. watchdog has said 92.5 pounds of 60% enriched uranium is sufficient to produce one nuke if enriched further.
While Iran denies pursuing nuclear weapons and U.S. intelligence assessments have previously stated Tehran had not restarted a formal weapons program halted in 2003, its rapid enrichment expansion has alarmed Western officials.
Satellite imagery and IAEA reports indicate ongoing activity at nuclear sites previously struck by U.S. forces.
Trump ordered strikes on key Iranian nuclear facilities last year, saying they "obliterated" critical infrastructure. He has repeatedly stated the U.S. will ensure Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon.
Witkoff said the administration offered Iran a deal that would have provided nuclear fuel for a decade if Tehran abandoned enrichment and dismantled missile and proxy programs. The offer was rejected.
"They were proud," Witkoff said of the Iranian negotiators. "It was very clear they had no notion of doing anything other than retaining enrichment for the purpose of weaponizing."
Charlie McCarthy ✉
Charlie McCarthy, a writer/editor at Newsmax, has nearly 40 years of experience covering news, sports, and politics.
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