Iran’s Foreign Minister Declares Uranium Enrichment Non-Negotiable in Talks with US

By Staff, Agencies

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has firmly stated that Iran will not negotiate its uranium enrichment program during indirect talks with the US and will not relinquish this right under any circumstances.

Speaking on Tuesday, Araghchi described recent US demands as “completely unreasonable and illogical,” adding that Iran responded swiftly to these positions.

Araghchi emphasized that Iran entered the negotiations to protect the rights of its people and that it will never compromise on these rights. “The subject of enrichment is not, in our view, open for negotiation at all,” he stressed.

He also referenced remarks by the Leader of the Islamic Revolution His Eminence Imam Sayyed Ali Khamenei who said it is “utterly wrong” for the US to demand Iran completely halt its peaceful uranium enrichment activities.

Imam Khamenei declared, “To say that ‘we will not allow Iran to enrich uranium’ is a huge mistake.” He reaffirmed Iran’s independent policies and agenda, stating, “No one is waiting for permission from anyone.”

So far, Iran and the US have held four rounds of indirect talks mediated by Oman. Iranian officials have criticized conflicting statements by US representatives and the ongoing sanctions on Iran’s oil and nuclear sectors, despite the negotiations.

US officials have insisted that Iran must cease all uranium enrichment, a demand Iran has rejected. On May 18, Araghchi noted a “dissonance” between what US interlocutors say publicly and privately. Additionally, on May 16, Iran held separate talks with Britain, France and Germany—parties to the 2015 nuclear deal.

Araghchi expressed Iran’s willingness to “begin a new chapter” with Europe and urged European countries to take an active role in the nuclear negotiations.