Iran Maintains Uranium Enrichment Amid US Nuclear Talks

Iran has firmly maintained that it will not suspend uranium enrichment in ongoing indirect nuclear negotiations with the United States, emphasizing that enrichment is a non-negotiable and inseparable part of its peaceful nuclear program. Iranian officials, including Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, have rejected reports suggesting Iran might freeze enrichment during talks, labeling such claims as false. While Tehran expressed openness to compromises that ensure its nuclear program is not weaponized, it insists on protecting its right to nuclear energy and will not negotiate under pressure or allow its rights to be curtailed. The talks, mediated by Oman and occurring in Muscat and Rome, aim to resolve disputes stemming from the US withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal and the subsequent reimposition of sanctions. Iran’s leadership has also warned against triggering the deal’s snapback sanction mechanism, stating it would provoke a harsh response. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump described the recent talks as "very good" and expressed hope for progress, despite the fundamental disagreements on uranium enrichment levels.