Iran Warns US Nuclear Talks Will Fail Over Enrichment Demand

Iranian officials have firmly stated that nuclear talks with the United States will fail if Washington demands Tehran completely cease uranium enrichment, which Iran views as a sovereign right under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi emphasized that enrichment is a national achievement and a non-negotiable issue for Iran, while Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi highlighted contradictions in U.S. public and private statements during negotiations. U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff has insisted that any new deal must include halting uranium enrichment, citing concerns over weaponization, but suggested some limited enrichment might be possible. Former President Donald Trump, who reimposed sanctions after withdrawing from the 2015 nuclear deal, recently indicated openness to trade with Iran if a deal is reached, signaling a potential shift in U.S. policy. Despite ongoing rounds of talks, including recent meetings in Oman and planned discussions in Rome, the fundamental dispute over enrichment remains the primary obstacle to reaching an agreement. Both sides express a desire to continue dialogue, with Iran underscoring its commitment to peaceful nuclear development and the U.S. aiming to prevent nuclear weapons proliferation.