Iran has reaffirmed its commitment to continuing Iranian uranium enrichment and rejected any external demands to halt it, even if doing so leads to war. The position was outlined by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi amid heightened tensions with the United States and an ongoing US military buildup in the region.
The remarks follow an initial round of US Iran talks hosted by Oman, which both sides described as positive, although no breakthrough was reported on core disputed issues.
Firm Iranian Position on the Nuclear Program
Speaking at a forum in Tehran attended by Agence France Presse, Araghchi said Iran would not abandon uranium enrichment even if war were imposed on the country. He stressed that enrichment is viewed by Tehran as a sovereign right and not subject to pressure or dictates from other states.
Araghchi added that Iran has paid a heavy price for what it describes as its peaceful nuclear program and remains ready to address technical questions within a negotiation framework, provided its red lines are respected.
Diplomacy Linked to Sanctions Relief
The foreign minister said Iran could consider confidence building steps related to its nuclear program in exchange for the lifting of international sanctions that have severely affected the Iranian economy.
However, he voiced doubts about Washington’s seriousness in pursuing genuine negotiations, saying Tehran would assess US signals before deciding whether to continue talks.
Deep Disagreements with Washington and Allies
Iran insists that negotiations be limited strictly to the nuclear file, while the United States is seeking a broader agreement that would also address Iran’s missile capabilities and its support for armed groups in the region.
Israel has called for a hard line on these additional issues, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prepares for a visit to Washington to discuss the Iranian file.
Military Buildup and Mutual Warnings
Commenting on the US military presence in the Gulf, Araghchi said the deployment does not intimidate Iran, adding that the country is committed to diplomacy but capable of war if forced.
US President Donald Trump has repeatedly warned of possible military action, framing it as peace through strength, while Tehran has warned it could target US bases and potentially close the Strait of Hormuz if attacked.
Background to the Current Escalation
The Oman talks were the first direct discussions since US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in June, during the 12 day confrontation between Iran and Israel that involved American forces.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said the talks, held with support from friendly regional governments, represented a step forward, although he acknowledged that rebuilding trust would take time.
Conclusion:
The Iranian nuclear program remains a central source of regional and international tension, with Tehran insisting on continued uranium enrichment while rejecting expanded negotiations. As diplomatic efforts continue alongside military pressure, the future direction of the talks remains uncertain.
