On CNN Friday, Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE) called for a total end to Iran’s uranium enrichment program, urging stronger international demands and continuous monitoring of Iranian nuclear facilities. Speaking on CNN News Central, Coons said the U.S. should push for Iran to completely abandon its nuclear efforts and allow full access to all sites as part of any future agreement.
“For years, they’ve insisted they have a right to enrich,” Coons said, “but it’s time to end that.” He added that inspections should be “broader, deeper, more continuous,” and emphasized that Iran must take verifiable steps to dismantle the remaining elements of its nuclear infrastructure.
Coons argued Iran’s rapid enrichment to 60% uranium purity—just below weapons-grade—and the stockpiling of hundreds of kilograms indicates a program far beyond peaceful civilian use. “They are preparing for and very close to the capacity to have the fissile material for a dozen bombs,” he said.
When asked about his red lines for any nuclear agreement, Coons emphasized that Iran must commit to abandoning enrichment entirely and open all sites to constant international scrutiny. He suggested that any pathway forward must include dismantling existing facilities and proving compliance with nuclear non-proliferation norms.
Coons also referenced growing international consensus, noting that all G7 nations and key European allies reaffirmed their position that Iran must not obtain nuclear weapons. He warned that Tehran’s program poses a threat not only to Israel but to global security as a whole.
His comments reflect rising bipartisan concern over Iran’s expanding nuclear capabilities and reinforce calls for a firmer, more enforceable framework in any future negotiations.
