Mark Levin Podcast: “The Truth Behind Iran's Nuclear Ambitions” Date: March 4, 2026
Guest: Steve Witkoff, former envoy with Jared Kushner
Host: Mark Levin
Network: Cumulus Podcast Network

Episode Overview

In this charged and revealing episode, Mark Levin sits down with Steve Witkoff, who, alongside Jared Kushner, participated directly in high-stakes negotiations with Iran in the run-up to the US’s recent military action. Witkoff provides firsthand insight into the Iranian regime’s negotiating tactics and nuclear ambitions, the Trump administration’s approach, and why a credible deal was never on the table. The episode cuts through public statements and media narratives, delivering a granular, behind-the-scenes account of Iran’s intentions—and why the administration decided force was necessary.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Setting the Scene: Inside Iran Nuclear Diplomacy

• Witkoff and Kushner’s Mission:
  President Trump deputized Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to determine if Iran was sincerely willing to broker a deal that could be signed and enforced. They led a series of meetings—primarily in Muscat, Oman and Geneva—with Iranian officials, mediated by Omani diplomats.

2. Meeting #1 in Muscat – Iran’s “Maximalist” Stance ([02:57])

• Face-to-Face with Iranian Envoys:
  Early in discussions, Iran’s lead negotiator stated, “Enrichment is considered to be, by his leadership, Iran's inalienable right.”
  Witkoff recounts: “At some point, very, very, very early in the conversation, Arachi laid down the marker by saying enrichment is considered… Iran’s inalienable right.” ([04:41])

• Iran’s Fissile Material Stockpile:

  • ~10,000 kilograms (≈22,000 lbs) of enriched uranium in various grades:
    • 8,000 kg at 3.67%
    • 1,000 kg at 20%
    • 460 kg at 60%
  • At 60%, Iran was only about a week to ten days from having weapons-grade uranium.

• Iranian Boasting:
  The Iranian side treated this stockpile as a “trophy.” Arachi told them directly:
  Quote: “We will not give you at the negotiating table which you could not win militarily.” ([08:10])

  Levin emphasizes the implications and Witkoff clarifies the depth of Iranian intransigence:
  Levin: “So, to be clear... they had over a ton of this fissile material... and they're telling you it's off the table?”
  Witkoff: “No, it's more than that... it’s 24,000 pounds.” ([09:29])

• Comparison to Hamas:
  Witkoff stunningly claims, “...in some respects, [Hamas were] more reasonable than these guys.” ([10:56])

3. Subsequent Meetings – Stonewalling and Deception ([15:36])

• Second Meeting:

  • Little movement; Iranians agreed to draft a proposal but never delivered it until much later, and only allowed it to be read, not taken for analysis.
  • “They were pretending to negotiate… they were obfuscating the entire time.” ([17:19])

• Progress Rhetoric:

  • Iranian and European negotiators spun talk of “great progress,” but Witkoff says, “We refused to sign it because we weren’t making great progress.” ([17:25-17:29])

4. Revealing Iran’s Hidden Nuclear Ambitions – The Tehran Research Reactor (TRR) ([21:03])

• Research vs. Weapons:

  • TRR was supposed to enrich uranium for medical radioisotopes at 20%—but in reality, Iran was stockpiling at this level and not using it for stated medical purposes.
  • Witkoff explains:
    “By labeling it a research reactor, they got to begin enrichment at 20% with no intention of using it for radioisotopes... 20% gives you a big head start over 3.67.” ([25:51])

• Perry Mason Moment:

  • Caught in the act: IAEA’s Rafael Grossi called out Iran for not using stockpiled fuel.
  • Levin: “What did they say when you caught them right there at the table?”
  • Witkoff: “They really didn’t have an answer, certainly not a satisfactory answer.” ([27:24])

5. The Offer They Refused ([28:37])

• US Proposals:
  Witkoff details an overture:

  • Zero enrichment for 10 years, with outside nuclear fuel paid for and supplied.
  • Iran flatly refused: “No, no, no, no, no. We don’t need your money and we don’t need our dignity to be assaulted by you suggesting you need to pay something for us.”

• Deception Laid Bare:
  Levin: “So they really were deceiving you or attempting to from day one?”
  Witkoff: “Correct, correct.” ([28:37])

  • He details the “breakout” risk: with the 60% and 20% stock, Iran could rapidly make 11+ bombs—possibly up to 30—if unchecked.

• Exclusion of Inspectors:
  Witkoff: “...the IEA [hasn’t] been able to make an inspection for the last 10 or 11 months because they [Iran] cut them out.” ([30:57])

6. The Final Report to President Trump ([31:12])

• Summary for the President:
  Witkoff: “Mr. President, they’re lying to us. There’s no doubt. Their deceptions all over the place. The fingerprints are on it... The facts are unassailable.”
  Levin: “And I, I like to say this. Great men faced with great consequential problems, they make great decisions.” ([31:54])

• On Congressional Briefings:
  Witkoff notes he did not brief the 'Gang of Eight' directly but believes key facts were shared with Congress via the foreign policy team.
  “...Marco [Secretary of State], who is sensible, grounded... knows this set of facts...” ([32:43])

7. Closing Assessments ([34:04])

• Iran’s True Motives:
  Iran had no intention of a genuine deal; no flexibility, decisions held by the Supreme Leader.

• Urgency of Action:

  • “The concern... was they could break out very quickly and you couldn’t keep sitting around waiting for them to delay.” ([34:04])
  • They wouldn’t even hand over a draft agreement—just allowed it to be read.

• Witkoff’s Judgment:

  • Asked if Iranian negotiators were the worst he’d dealt with:
    “These were the most disingenuous...” ([36:21])

• Final Thoughts:
  Both Witkoff and Levin close by highlighting Trump’s resolve, delegating authority, and “greatness” as a leader in the face of existential threats.

Notable Quotes

• On Iranian obstinacy:
  “We will not give you at the negotiating table which you could not win militarily.” — Iranian negotiator, recounted by Witkoff ([08:10])

• On the risk:
  “At 60%, it’s a week to 10 days. On the 60, that’s 11 bombs. And on the 20... another 25 bombs... within a few months.” — Witkoff ([29:40])

• On the research reactor ruse:
  “By labeling it a research reactor, they got to begin enrichment at 20%... because maybe it’s a month and a half from 20 to 90 [percent], which is weapons grade.” — Witkoff ([25:51])

• Comparing negotiating partners:
  “In some respects, [Hamas were] more reasonable than these guys.” — Witkoff ([10:56])

• On President Trump’s leadership:
  "Great men faced with great consequential problems, they make great decisions." — Witkoff ([31:54])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 02:57 – Levin introduces Witkoff, lays out the stakes.
• 04:41 – Iran’s “inalienable right” to enrichment.
• 06:56 – Details on fissile material stockpile.
• 08:10 – Maximalist negotiating posture revealed: “What you could not win militarily.”
• 10:56 – Witkoff compares Iranian regime to dealing with Hamas.
• 15:36 – Second meeting: promises, delays, “diplomatic treachery” accusations.
• 17:25 – “Great progress” charade and refusal to sign statements.
• 21:03 – TRR and the research reactor deception.
• 25:51 – 20% enrichment as nuclear weapons head-start.
• 27:24 – Perry Mason moment: IAEA calls out Iran.
• 28:37 – US offers zero-enrichment deal; Iran’s flat refusal.
• 31:12 – Briefing the President: “They’re lying to us.”
• 36:21 – Witkoff: Iranian officials “the most disingenuous” to negotiate with.

Additional Highlights & Tone

• Witkoff’s and Levin’s tone is urgent, incredulous, and at times, scathing about the Iranian regime’s duplicity.
• Witkoff is adamant that the Trump team “went the extra mile”—but were met with deceit at every turn.
• The episode is a blistering critique of both Iranian negotiating tactics and media narratives which emphasize progress.
• The broader context includes comparisons with other US adversaries and emphasizes the importance of American and Israeli leadership.
• The episode strongly rejects claims that Israel drew America into war, instead framing US action as both necessary and independently justified.

For Listeners: Why This Matters

This episode provides a rare, granular view into historic decision-making as the US confronted a potentially nuclear-armed Iran. For those questioning the necessity and urgency of action, the firsthand narratives and details outlined by Steve Witkoff add vital context often absent from headlines and political debate.

End of Summary