Analyst Says Trump’s Iran Zero-Enrichment Demand Blocks Diplomatic Deal Prospects

What happened

Middle East Eye reports that Matt Duss, executive vice president at the Center for International Policy, said Washington’s insistence on Iran completely ending uranium enrichment blocks progress towards a diplomatic nuclear deal. Duss called the zero-enrichment demand a “poison pill” that was imposed on former President Donald Trump by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and hawkish elements in Washington who favored confrontation.

Duss' comments, made in a post on the social media platform X, suggest that this inflexible stance has hardened positions on both sides and stalled negotiations that might otherwise have led to a breakthrough.

The analyst argues that reversing this policy would be key to reviving diplomatic efforts and creating conditions where a deal is possible. This framing positions US policy choices as central to the current deadlock in talks over Iran’s nuclear program.

Known from the source

• Matt Duss is executive vice president at the Center for International Policy.
• He commented on zero uranium enrichment demands blocking Iran nuclear talks.
• The comments were posted on X (formerly Twitter).
• He attributed the zero-enrichment demand to pressure from Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and hawkish US actors.
• The source is Middle East Eye, a regional public source.

What remains unclear

This perspective adds to ongoing debates about the role of external actors, including Israel and pro-war factions in the US, in shaping the course of Iran nuclear negotiations. It underscores how political dynamics in Washington and regional allies continue to impact the potential for resolving nuclear tensions.

What remains unclear: Confirm that the zero-enrichment demand is officially linked to Netanyahu’s influence as claimed. Check if there have been any recent shifts in US policy on Iran uranium enrichment post-2026-05-18. Verify that Matt Duss’ statements are accurately summarized and sourced solely to him and no additional claims added. Confirm the intended timeframe for ‘Trump’ policy references to avoid confusion between former and current US administration.

Evidence note

Outside Brief has kept this brief source-led and attributed. Claims should be read alongside the original source linked below.

Original source: Middle East Eye. Open the source.