Negotiations between the United States and Iran over Tehran’s nuclear program have resumed, with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi signaling a willingness to reach a “reassuring agreement” on uranium enrichment, while firmly stating that Iran’s ballistic missile program is non-negotiable.
Araghchi, speaking to Qatar-based Al Jazeera after talks in Oman, asserted that a resolution to the nuclear issue could only be achieved through negotiation, noting that Washington had returned to the table after attempting to influence Iran through military threats. The talks, which began on Friday, represent the first direct engagement between U.S. And Iranian diplomats since last year’s period of heightened tensions and conflict.
The Iranian Foreign Minister emphasized that uranium enrichment is an “inalienable right” for his country. He stated that a demand for “zero enrichment” would not be considered, but indicated a potential willingness to lower enrichment levels. “Such a demand is not on the negotiating table,” Araghchi said, while adding that reducing the level of enrichment was a possibility.
Referencing past military actions against Iran, Araghchi stated, “Even bombardments were unable to destroy our capabilities.” This appeared to be a reference to the 12-Day War and subsequent U.S. Bombing campaign, suggesting Iran believes its nuclear infrastructure is resilient to attack.
Araghchi clarified that enriched uranium would not be transferred outside of Iran, and that the level of enrichment would be determined solely by the country’s needs.
Iran’s Missile Program Off the Table
The U.S. Is reportedly seeking restrictions on Iran’s ballistic missile program, aiming to limit the number and range of missiles produced. However, Araghchi was unequivocal in stating that Iran’s ballistic missile program is not open for negotiation, reiterating that This proves “entirely for defensive purposes.”
Araghchi acknowledged the ever-present possibility of war but stated that efforts are being made to prevent it. He described the discussions with Washington as a “good start,” but conceded that a long road lies ahead to rebuild trust between the two nations.
Following the talks, an official statement indicated that the process would continue, and that the parties could meet again in Muscat. Omani Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad al-Busaidi publicly stated that the discussions were “very serious” and had helped both sides clarify their positions and identify potential areas for progress.
Targeting U.S. Assets, Not Neighbors
Addressing regional security concerns, Araghchi clarified Iran’s stance regarding potential targets in the event of conflict. He stated that Iran is not targeting neighboring countries, but rather U.S. Military bases in the region. “Iran targets only American military bases in the region, not neighboring countries,” he said, emphasizing a distinction between the two.
Araghchi further stated that Iran does not possess the capability to strike U.S. Territory, but that any response to an attack would be directed at American assets in the region.
The resumption of talks comes amid escalating regional tensions and follows a period of widespread protests within Iran, which were met with a violent crackdown by Iranian authorities. The U.S. Has been increasingly vocal in its concerns over Iran’s nuclear ambitions and its regional activities, while Iran has accused the U.S. Of destabilizing the region through its military presence and support for regional rivals.
On , the White House stated that the U.S. Is seeking “zero nuclear capability” from Iran, a position that appears to be at odds with Iran’s insistence on maintaining its right to enrich uranium. U.S. Special envoy Steve Witkoff and President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner led the U.S. Negotiating team in Oman.
Meanwhile, U.S. Lead Iran negotiator Steve Witkoff visited the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, currently stationed in the Arabian Sea, on . Witkoff, accompanied by Jared Kushner and Admiral Brad Cooper, Commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, stated that the visit was intended to demonstrate “peace through strength.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to meet with President Trump in Washington on , to discuss the ongoing negotiations with Iran. According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s office, Netanyahu believes any agreement must include limitations on ballistic missiles and a halt to Iran’s support for regional allies.
The talks in Oman represent a critical juncture in the ongoing efforts to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon and to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East. The success of these negotiations will likely have far-reaching implications for regional stability and global security.
