Iran has pushed back against a major condition set by the United States in ongoing nuclear talks refusing to completely halt its uranium enrichment program.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi made that clear during a press briefing, saying Tehran won’t sign any deal unless Washington adjusts its position.
“If enrichment drops to zero, Iran will have nothing left to negotiate with,” he said.
According to Araghchi, uranium enrichment isn’t just a policy — it’s a national right and a critical part of Iran’s scientific and strategic independence.
Why Enrichment Remains Iran’s Red Line
Talks between Tehran and Washington have dragged on, but there’s still a wide gap. The U.S. wants Iran to walk away from its nuclear capabilities. For Iranian officials, that demand is a non-starter.
Araghchi didn’t hold back, calling the U.S. position “unreasonable and self-defeating.” He argued that Iran’s nuclear development is aimed at peaceful uses — energy, medicine, and research — and that abandoning it would come at too high a cost.
At the Same Time, Iran Moves Closer to IAEA
While Tehran digs in on enrichment, it has struck a new cooperation deal with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The agreement is designed to improve transparency, without undermining Iran’s sovereignty.
“This is proof we’re willing to cooperate,” Araghchi noted, “but on terms that respect our rights.”
The move is being viewed as a gesture of goodwill toward international watchdogs — though it doesn’t change Iran’s red line on enrichment.
No Plans to Back Down
Iranian authorities say they retain the full technical ability to enrich uranium and won’t be pressured into giving it up. They maintain that the program is peaceful — and necessary for national development.
“No amount of outside pressure will change that,” an official said on background. “This is about sovereignty and progress.”
A Fragile Moment for Global Diplomacy
As the talks stall, attention is turning to what happens next. Analysts warn that without a breakthrough, tensions could flare again in an already unstable region.
Still, Iran insists the way forward isn’t confrontation — it’s compromise.
“For any deal to work,” Araghchi said, “there must be mutual respect and realistic expectations.”