IRAN’S STANCE FIRM ON URANIUM ENRICHMENT – Amid Pending U.S. Talks Iranian Foreign Minister
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi {Abusa Arachi} announced on Sunday that the date for the next round of talks between Iran and the United States has not been finalised yet, and emphasised that Iran will not compromise with the U.S. on uranium enrichment.
According to the top diplomat, Iran will not rush or delay the process, but will hold talks “patiently and calmly.” He also reiterated that Iran will not compromise on its people’s rights, including to enrich uranium.
On Sunday, the Iranian Islamic Republic News Agency held an exclusive interview with members of Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, Behnam Saeedi and Salar Velayat-madar. The two lawmakers emphasised that the country has never pursued nuclear arms, per the directives of Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
But to have the capacity of uranium enrichment is “a red line” and “an inalienable right” of Iran, said the two officials.
Behnam Saeedi further cautioned that the negotiations could face challenges if the American side ignores or attempts to undermine Iran’s right to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes, assuring that “the Iranian negotiating team will firmly defend the country’s rights, and will not back down.”
The U.S. and Iran held their fifth round of nuclear talks in Rome on May 23, with the Omani mediator reporting limited progress.
President Trump, however, described the discussions as making “serious progress.” Since April 12, the two sides have held five indirect rounds of talks in Muscat and Rome.
