US official says Iran nuclear deal may remain out of reach
Energy Secretary Chris Wright said a nuclear agreement with Iran may not be reached, suggesting the US could instead target capabilities it says support Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.
US Energy Secretary Chris Wright has said there “may not” be a nuclear agreement with Iran, raising questions over the Trump administration’s prospects for securing a diplomatic settlement.
Speaking to ABC News on Sunday, Wright suggested the US could focus on destroying what he described as Iran’s capabilities to develop nuclear weapons. He did not specify what actions might follow or provide evidence for his assessment.
Wright defended previous US actions, saying they were degrading Iran’s capacity to develop and ultimately deliver nuclear weapons. The US has previously targeted facilities it said supported Iran’s nuclear programme.
He also said an agreement could await new leadership in Iran, adding that the timing and possibility of such a deal remained uncertain. It is not clear whether his remarks represent settled administration policy or his own assessment.
A reported memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran collapsed in July before attacks and tensions resumed, according to Al Jazeera. Iran maintains that its nuclear programme is intended for peaceful power generation and denies plans to build a nuclear weapon.
The White House had not responded to Al Jazeera’s request for comment at the time of publication.
