Iran Nuclear Talks Stall Over Uranium Enrichment Dispute

Iran has firmly stated that uranium enrichment is a non-negotiable red line in nuclear talks with the United States, emphasizing its right to peaceful nuclear technology while rejecting demands for zero enrichment. Iranian officials, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and President Masoud Pezeshkian, assert that Iran does not seek nuclear weapons and that any deal must allow continuation of their enrichment program, though they are open to confidence-building measures. The U.S., represented by envoy Steve Witkoff, insists on no enrichment, setting a clear and uncompromising red line, which Iranian leaders, including Supreme Leader Khamenei, have denounced as unacceptable. Iranian negotiator Ali Shamkhani proposed exporting Iran's highly enriched uranium stockpiles in exchange for sanctions relief and limited low-level enrichment rights, a plan met with skepticism by experts and complicated by U.S. internal pressures. The conflicting positions and mixed signals from the U.S. administration complicate negotiations, raising concerns that an interim deal might disproportionately favor Iran by allowing it to avoid military conflict and sanctions while maintaining enrichment capabilities. With Iran prepared to defend its nuclear program against Israeli threats and holding the U.S. responsible for any attacks, the stalemate over enrichment threatens to derail efforts toward a diplomatic resolution.