Under the mediation of US President Trump, Iran and Israel have ended a 12-day military conflict and reached a ceasefire agreement. US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff stated in an interview with Fox News on Tuesday (June 24) that Washington is initiating new negotiations with Tehran aimed at achieving a comprehensive peace agreement beyond the ceasefire.
Witkoff emphasized during the interview that Iran’s key nuclear facilities have been “completely destroyed,” rendering them unable to rebuild their nuclear weapons capability in the short term. He strongly condemned the prior leaked intelligence assessments.
Following the ceasefire, the US has been engaging in negotiations with Iran, both directly and through intermediaries, and the dialogue atmosphere is described as “promising.”
Trump’s objective is not only to end the conflict but also to use negotiations to facilitate Iran’s reintegration into the international community, bringing long-term prosperity and promoting economic development in the Middle East.
“We aim to push for a long-term peace agreement to help Iran recover, return to the international system, bring long-term prosperity, and most importantly, enable the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to achieve economic growth,” Witkoff stated during the program. “Eliminating the nuclear risk is crucial for the future prosperity of the entire Gulf region, a goal we have already achieved.”
Regarding concerns about Iran retaining civilian enrichment capabilities, Witkoff unequivocally stated, “No, we will not allow any form of enrichment.”
He suggested that Iran could follow the model of Abu Dhabi in operating nuclear power, where if peaceful nuclear energy is needed, fuel can be obtained from abroad without the need for domestic enrichment.
Addressing doubts about the effectiveness of US airstrikes, Witkoff made it clear that three key Iranian nuclear facilities have been “completely destroyed,” making it highly unlikely for their nuclear weapons development capabilities to recover in the short term.
He explained that the conversion facility in Isfahan is crucial in the weapons production process, and it has been entirely destroyed by a US bunker-buster bomb, rendering it impossible for Iran to weaponize even with a 90% enrichment of uranium.
As for the Natanz nuclear facility, both the above-ground and underground reactors have been targeted, with the underground facility being completely destroyed and substantial damage inflicted on the above-ground site.
The Fordow enrichment facility was the last operational site for Iran pre-conflict, and according to Witkoff, it has been struck by 12 bunker-buster bombs, ensuring its destruction as well.
The notion of the targets not being achieved is deemed “completely preposterous” by Witkoff.
Based on initial damage assessments, he stated that most centrifuges in the facilities have been destroyed or damaged, significantly decreasing the possibility of Iran rebuilding its enrichment and weapons capabilities.
He revealed frequent discussions with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi, and they have reached a consensus on the current conditions of the damaged nuclear facilities and subsequent actions, emphasizing that the Trump administration’s position is well-founded.
Regarding a leaked preliminary assessment report from the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) questioning the complete destruction of Iranian nuclear facilities, Witkoff strongly responded, labeling it an act of treason that requires immediate investigation.
“The leakage of such information – regardless of its content or perspective – is an outrageous act of treason,” stated Witkoff. “It must be thoroughly investigated, and those responsible for the leak held accountable. Such actions could pose a threat to lives in the future and are absolutely unacceptable.”
Witkoff clarified that the leaked report only represents a preliminary assessment and does not reflect the full reality. He has personally reviewed multiple damage reports, including those from the US and allied countries, without disclosing any classified information but asserting an accurate depiction of the situation.
He stressed that the nuclear threat from Iran has been effectively contained, presenting a rare opportunity for peace in the Persian Gulf region. The focus now will be on negotiating a “truly comprehensive peace agreement” with Iran to establish long-term stability.
“I am very confident in this,” he said. “We will achieve this goal.”