President Donald Trump stated that the U.S. will not accept any uranium enrichment by Iran under a prospective nuclear agreement, intensifying pressure on already faltering negotiations.

In a social media post late Monday, Trump dismissed the possibility of allowing even low-level uranium enrichment for civilian purposes. His statement follows a Axios report that U.S. negotiators had proposed a deal permitting limited enrichment, which Tehran has not formally responded to.

“Iran will not be allowed to enrich uranium. Period,” Trump wrote, signaling a tougher stance than previously reported.

Israel Applauds, Iran Resists

Trump’s position aligns closely with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who argues that Iran should not be allowed to enrich uranium at all. Tehran, however, insists its enrichment activities are for peaceful purposes such as energy production and refuses to sign any deal banning them.

At present, Iran is enriching uranium near weapons-grade levels, heightening global concern over its nuclear intentions.

Sanctions Relief Still a Sticking Point

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said Washington has yet to provide clarity on how and when sanctions would be lifted under a new agreement. Tehran demands guarantees, especially in light of the 2018 U.S. withdrawal from the original JCPOA.

The Islamic Republic continues to expand its uranium stockpile while demanding full sanctions relief and recognition of its right to peaceful nuclear technology.