Iran, US Stay Deadlocked Over Uranium Enrichment

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has publicly dismissed US demands on uranium enrichment, declaring Iran will not seek American permission and calling US statements 'nonsense.' Indirect nuclear talks are ongoing with mediation by Oman, but Iranian officials remain deeply skeptical about reaching a breakthrough, citing mixed signals from the US. The US, led by special envoy Steve Witkoff, continues to demand a complete halt to enrichment, which Iran rejects. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reaffirmed that enrichment will continue regardless of negotiations and stated Iran is willing to provide guarantees against weaponization. Iran has also indicated openness to joining a regional nuclear fuel consortium, though it insists this would not replace its domestic enrichment program. The persistent standoff raises doubts about the prospects for a diplomatic solution.