Iran defies US demands, continues Uranium enrichment

Iran has declared it will never compromise on its right to enrich uranium, despite rising tensions across the Middle East.

A senior Iranian official told Reuters on Thursday, June 12, 2025, that Tehran views enrichment as a sovereign right and will not bow to pressure.

He said a “friendly” regional country recently warned Iran of a possible Israeli military strike targeting its nuclear infrastructure.

The official accused the United States of stirring tensions to manipulate Iran’s stance ahead of nuclear talks.

“These provocations are meant to push Tehran into giving up its nuclear rights,” the Iranian official stated.

The new round of US-Iran talks is scheduled for Sunday in Muscat, Oman, following five previous rounds.

The Iranian team will be led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, while the US delegation includes Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff.

President Donald Trump said Wednesday the Middle East had become “a dangerous place,” justifying the evacuation of US personnel.

He warned that Iran would never be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon under any circumstances.

Iranian officials, however, said uranium enrichment remains non-negotiable and compliant with international treaties.

The core dispute remains Washington’s demand that Iran fully abandon uranium enrichment to ensure nuclear non-proliferation.

Tehran has consistently insisted it has no ambition to develop nuclear weapons, calling its program peaceful.

Despite its claims, US and Israeli intelligence remain deeply skeptical of Iran’s nuclear intentions.

Trump has repeatedly threatened military action should diplomatic efforts fail to halt Iran’s uranium activities.

The Iranian official did not name the country that relayed the warning about an Israeli strike.

However, regional sources suspect Gulf allies have shared intelligence to defuse an impending conflict.

Israel has long accused Iran of covertly pursuing nuclear weapons and has hinted at pre-emptive strikes.

The United States has recently bolstered its military posture in the region amid fears of escalating conflict.

B-2 bombers, aircraft carriers, and additional troops were deployed to project strength and deter aggression.

US intelligence reports suggest Israel may act unilaterally if talks in Muscat break down.

Iran has responded with defiance, threatening to strike US bases in retaliation for any attack.

Its defense minister warned that any strike on Iran’s soil would trigger a “crushing” counter-offensive.

The global oil market remains jittery, with prices surging as fears of regional war intensify.

Analysts warn that any military conflict involving Iran could destabilize vital oil routes in the Gulf.

The Strait of Hormuz, where Iran holds strategic control, handles a fifth of the world’s oil exports.

Observers note that the nuclear standoff is entering its most volatile phase since the 2015 nuclear deal collapsed.

Trump pulled the US out of that deal in 2018, calling it weak and ineffective at restraining Iran.

Iran resumed high-grade enrichment in response and now demands US sanctions relief as part of any new deal.

The Muscat talks could be the final chance to find diplomatic common ground and avoid outright war.

Iran’s UN envoy posted on X: “We will not trade our rights for fear or pressure. Enrichment is non-negotiable.”

US CENTCOM chief General Michael “Erik” Kurilla said this week that military options remain available to Washington.

He emphasized that preventing a nuclear-armed Iran remains a top priority for US national security.

Iran, however, continues to strengthen its position, confident in regional support and growing global sympathy.

The next few days will likely determine whether diplomacy prevails or war ignites across the Middle East.

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