Tehran reaffirmed its uncompromising stance on uranium enrichment Sunday, dismissing any expectation it will concede on the issue as negotiations with the United States resume. The declaration, delivered by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, underscores the deep chasm separating the two countries despite renewed diplomatic efforts.
Speaking at a forum in Tehran, Araghchi stated unequivocally that Iran will not be pressured into relinquishing its enrichment capabilities, even in the face of potential military conflict. “Why do we insist so much on enrichment and refuse to give it up, even if a war is imposed on us? Because no one has the right to dictate our behavior,” he said, according to state media reports.
The renewed talks, which began Friday in Oman, represent a fragile attempt to de-escalate tensions following a period of heightened conflict. Previous negotiations were suspended after a 12-day war between Israel and Iran in June 2025, culminating in a US strike targeting several Iranian nuclear sites. The current round of discussions seeks to establish “a series of confidence-building measures concerning the nuclear program,” in exchange for a lifting of US economic sanctions, Araghchi indicated.
However, Araghchi’s comments suggest a limited appetite for compromise on the Iranian side. He expressed skepticism about Washington’s commitment to genuine negotiations, pointing to the continuation of sanctions and military deployments in the region as evidence of insincerity. “The continuation of certain sanctions and military actions raises doubts about the seriousness and readiness of the other side to conduct genuine negotiations,” he stated.
The US has signaled its own resolve, with lead negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner visiting the USS Abraham Lincoln, an aircraft carrier currently stationed in the Arabian Sea, on Saturday. CENTCOM described the visit as a demonstration of the US military’s commitment to “peace through strength,” a message echoed by Witkoff in a social media post. This display of military power serves as a clear reminder of the potential consequences of a failed diplomatic process.
The core of the dispute revolves around Iran’s nuclear program. Western nations suspect Iran is pursuing a nuclear weapon, a charge Tehran vehemently denies. However, Iran has enriched uranium to levels exceeding those required for peaceful applications, hindered international inspections, and expanded its ballistic missile capabilities. Prior to the June conflict, Israel asserted that Iran was taking steps towards weaponization.
Araghchi framed Iran’s insistence on enrichment not as a pursuit of a nuclear weapon, but as a demonstration of its power and independence. “Their military deployment in the region does not scare us,” he said. “Our atomic bomb is the power to say ‘no’ to the great powers.” This rhetoric reflects a broader Iranian strategy of resisting external pressure and asserting its regional influence.
The timing of these negotiations is also complicated by the aftermath of widespread protests in Iran, which began in late December and were met with a brutal crackdown by authorities. The Iranian government has acknowledged 3,117 deaths in the unrest, publishing a list of names it claims primarily consist of security forces and innocent bystanders. However, international organizations and media outlets estimate the death toll to be significantly higher, potentially reaching tens of thousands, with over 51,000 arrests reported by the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA).
The US has responded to the crackdown with additional sanctions, targeting shipping entities and vessels involved in Iran’s oil exports. President Trump also signed an executive order calling for the imposition of tariffs on countries continuing to do business with Iran despite US sanctions, further tightening the economic pressure on the Islamic Republic.
Despite these challenges, both sides have publicly expressed cautious optimism. Trump described the initial talks as “very good,” while Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian posted on social media that they “constitute a step forward.” However, the path forward remains uncertain, with no firm date set for a second round of negotiations.
Araghchi’s warning that the US “attacked us in the midst of negotiations” last year, referencing the strike on Iranian nuclear sites during the June conflict, underscores the deep-seated mistrust between the two countries. He emphasized that Iran is closely monitoring the situation and will decide on the continuation of talks based on its assessment of US actions and signals.
The stakes are high, with the potential for further escalation and regional instability looming large. The outcome of these negotiations will not only determine the future of Iran’s nuclear program but also have significant implications for the broader geopolitical landscape of the Middle East.
