US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said on Sunday that the United States may fail to reach a nuclear agreement with Iran that would keep Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons. His comments came during an interview on ABC.
Asked whether any sign of a deal had surfaced as negotiations appeared stalled, Wright replied: “There may not be a nuclear agreement.” The remark pointed to dimming prospects for a diplomatic settlement.
The statement arrived as the US-Israel military campaign against Iran continued. Talks between Washington and Tehran have shown little progress in recent weeks, with both sides holding firm on core positions.
Wright’s assessment stands apart from earlier signals of possible engagement. President Donald Trump had at points combined military pressure with openness to negotiations, at one stage pursuing talks during a pause in strikes before shifting position.
Trump has also swung sharply on the question of diplomacy. He earlier vowed further strikes while leaving room for dialogue, then at another point ruled out talks entirely, a move that lifted oil prices and pushed US stocks lower.
The dispute centers on limits to Iran’s nuclear program. Washington and Israel have sought guarantees that Tehran cannot build a weapon, while Iran maintains its program is for civilian purposes.
No date has been set for a resumption of formal negotiations between the United States and Iran.