Iran’s foreign ministry has stated that it will not consider temporarily suspending uranium enrichment as part of any nuclear deal with the United States. A spokesperson also indicated that a date for a sixth round of talks with Washington has not yet been set.
The negotiations between Washington and Tehran aim to resolve a long-standing dispute over Iran’s nuclear program. Both sides have publicly maintained a firm position regarding Iran’s uranium enrichment activities.
When asked about reports suggesting that Iran might freeze enrichment for three years to reach an agreement, foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei told a press conference, “Iran will never accept that.”
Baghaei also dismissed the possibility of an interim nuclear deal with the U.S., rejecting media reports that a provisional agreement was being considered as a temporary step toward a final deal.
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Despite these firm statements, President Donald Trump said on Sunday that U.S. negotiators had “very good” talks with an Iranian delegation over the weekend.
Iran is currently awaiting further details from mediator Oman regarding the timing of the next round of talks, according to Baghaei.
“If there is goodwill from the American side, we are also optimistic, but if talks are aimed at curbing Iran’s rights then talks will get nowhere,” he added.
The stakes are significant for both sides in these negotiations.
The U.S. aims to limit Iran’s potential to develop a nuclear weapon, which could destabilize the region and potentially threaten Israel. Iran, on the other hand, insists that its nuclear program is solely for civilian purposes and seeks to alleviate the severe sanctions that have crippled its oil-dependent economy’s.
