Iran Warns of Impasse in Nuclear Negotiations Over Enrichment Demands
Tehran insists on its right to uranium enrichment as U.S. demands for zero enrichment threaten ongoing talks.
DUBAI: Iranian officials have asserted that nuclear negotiations with the United States will be fruitless if Washington maintains its demand for Iran to eliminate its uranium enrichment activities entirely.
Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takhtravanchi stated to state media that such a condition would make the talks 'lead nowhere.'
This statement follows comments from U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff, who reiterated on Sunday that any future agreement must include a commitment from Iran to halt enrichment.
This enrichment is viewed by the U.S. as a potential pathway for the development of nuclear weapons, a concern that Iran has consistently denied, asserting that its nuclear energy program is intended solely for peaceful purposes.
Takhtravanchi emphasized Iran’s resolve, declaring that its stance on enrichment is well established and represents a national achievement.
He noted, 'We will not back down' from this position.
During a recent visit to the Gulf region, President Donald Trump expressed optimism about achieving a deal but indicated that Iran must act swiftly to address the longstanding disputes.
Iranian officials have criticized the U.S. for presenting conflicting statements publicly while holding private discussions that differ significantly.
Foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei remarked, 'Despite hearing contradictory statements from the Americans, we are still participating in negotiations.'
A fifth round of talks is anticipated to occur in Rome this weekend, pending final confirmations, according to an Iranian official.
The current negotiations are set against the backdrop of the U.S. withdrawal in 2018 from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), a 2015 agreement that had imposed limitations on Iran's enrichment activities in exchange for relief from economic sanctions.
Following the U.S. withdrawal, President Trump characterized the agreement as excessively favorable to Iran and reinstated broad sanctions, prompting Iran to ramp up its enrichment activities.
Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takhtravanchi stated to state media that such a condition would make the talks 'lead nowhere.'
This statement follows comments from U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff, who reiterated on Sunday that any future agreement must include a commitment from Iran to halt enrichment.
This enrichment is viewed by the U.S. as a potential pathway for the development of nuclear weapons, a concern that Iran has consistently denied, asserting that its nuclear energy program is intended solely for peaceful purposes.
Takhtravanchi emphasized Iran’s resolve, declaring that its stance on enrichment is well established and represents a national achievement.
He noted, 'We will not back down' from this position.
During a recent visit to the Gulf region, President Donald Trump expressed optimism about achieving a deal but indicated that Iran must act swiftly to address the longstanding disputes.
Iranian officials have criticized the U.S. for presenting conflicting statements publicly while holding private discussions that differ significantly.
Foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei remarked, 'Despite hearing contradictory statements from the Americans, we are still participating in negotiations.'
A fifth round of talks is anticipated to occur in Rome this weekend, pending final confirmations, according to an Iranian official.
The current negotiations are set against the backdrop of the U.S. withdrawal in 2018 from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), a 2015 agreement that had imposed limitations on Iran's enrichment activities in exchange for relief from economic sanctions.
Following the U.S. withdrawal, President Trump characterized the agreement as excessively favorable to Iran and reinstated broad sanctions, prompting Iran to ramp up its enrichment activities.
