Trump demands Iran promptly give definitive answer on nuclear impasse

Another round of nuclear negotiations between US envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi could take place this weekend, Axios reported on Wednesday, citing sources familiar with the matter.

The potential meeting comes amid heightened tensions following Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s sharp rejection of the latest US nuclear proposal, which he said would undermine Iran’s self-sufficiency by limiting its ability to enrich uranium.

“A nuclear industry without enrichment capabilities is useless,” Khamenei said in a speech on Wednesday, adding that the US demands contradict Iran’s principles and disregard the sacrifices of its nuclear scientists. “That’s none of your business,” he added, addressing foreign powers who oppose Iran’s enrichment efforts.

Shortly after Khamenei’s remarks, Araghchi echoed the sentiment on X, writing: “No enrichment, no deal. No nuclear weapons, we have a deal.”

The US proposal, as previously reported by Axios, would allow Iran to conduct limited low-level enrichment under a regional consortium, while requiring Tehran to suspend operations at underground sites and scale back activity at above-ground facilities for a temporary period. Key details remain under negotiation.

Russia is increasingly concerned about escalating tensions surrounding Iran and the potential for the situation to spiral into a broader conflict, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Wednesday.

“We are seriously concerned about the growing tensions around Iran and the risk of a slide into full-scale confrontation,” Zakharova said in Moscow, according to Reuters.

Her remarks followed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s rejection of the US nuclear proposal on Wednesday.

Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s latest speech was his clearest stance yet ahead of a possible war scenario, said the international relations expert and security analyst Shahin Modarres.

“Given the substance of these remarks, the Trump administration is likely concerned and may push for a final round of negotiations in the coming weeks,” Modarres told Iran International TV.

If talks fail, he said, the US would swiftly move to impose severe economic pressure on Iran through snapback mechanisms or fresh international sanctions.

“Israel’s role will then become more pronounced,” Modarres added, pointing to the likelihood of at least a limited military strike on Iran’s nuclear sites to force Tehran back to the table.

Modarres said broader attacks on Iran’s military and nuclear infrastructure would also remain on the table.

“We now face a narrowing window,” he said. “The question is whether either side is willing to step back from its maximalist position—or whether we are entering an extremely tense and dangerous phase.”

The United States is likely to support a resolution led by European powers at the International Atomic Energy Agency next week over Iran’s failure to cooperate with nuclear safeguards, Wall Street Journal reporter Laurence Norman said Wednesday.

“I am hearing the US will back/join an E3 resolution… on Iran's safeguards non-cooperation,” Norman posted on X. He added that the draft will likely highlight a “key specific non-compliance claim,” and that Washington’s support makes its adoption all but certain.

Iran will respond forcefully to any assault at sea, said Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy, Rear Admiral Alireza Tangsiri on Wednesday.

“Any warship or country that tries to attack us will face a strong response,” he added.

Tangsiri also praised Yemen’s Houthis, calling them “a source of pride for Islam.”

“They defend the oppressed and have proven their resolve through their support for Palestine.”