Iran Rejects Halting Uranium Enrichment Amid US, IAEA Tensions

Iran has firmly rejected any negotiations that would involve compromising its defense capabilities or halting uranium enrichment, emphasizing that these remain non-negotiable aspects of its sovereignty and nuclear rights under the Non-Proliferation Treaty. Iranian officials have stated that any potential nuclear resolution must guarantee Iran's right to uranium enrichment on its soil, and they have demanded compensation from the United States for recent military actions against Iranian nuclear sites. Despite ongoing indirect talks mediated by Oman and meetings among European signatories of the 2015 nuclear deal, tensions escalated following Israeli and US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites in June, leading to a 12-day conflict that ended with a US-brokered ceasefire. Meanwhile, China has openly rejected US demands to stop importing oil from Iran and Russia, asserting its national sovereignty and security interests, which complicates US efforts to isolate Iran economically. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent acknowledged China's firm stance but remains optimistic about the broader US-China trade negotiations. Iran's establishment of a new defense council, including top government and military leaders, underscores Tehran's focus on strengthening its defense and nuclear capabilities amid these geopolitical challenges.