Iran Rejects U.S. Terms: No Deal If Enrichment Must End
Iran has categorically rejected the United States’ latest precondition to cease uranium enrichment, making clear that any nuclear agreement that requires Tehran to end this process is unacceptable. The hardening of Iran’s stance comes just ahead of the next round of nuclear negotiations in Rome, further complicating already fragile talks between the two countries.
Iran Declares Enrichment Non-Negotiable
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi firmly stated that uranium enrichment is a sovereign right and will continue “with or without an agreement.” This statement came amid growing Western pressure to scale down Iran’s nuclear capabilities, citing fears of potential weaponization.
Araghchi added that enrichment activities are central to Iran’s energy independence and scientific advancement. The current enrichment levels reportedly exceed 60%, a figure that has alarmed U.S. and European officials due to its proximity to weapons-grade enrichment thresholds.
Ayatollah Khamenei Backs Iran’s Hardline Position
Backing his government’s firm rejection of U.S. conditions, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei slammed Washington’s demands as “excessive and outrageous.” He reiterated that Iran would not dismantle its nuclear program under external pressure, warning that any agreement based on “unilateral coercion” would be doomed to fail.
Khamenei’s endorsement reflects deep domestic consensus in Iran’s leadership that enrichment is non-negotiable and that Tehran will not bow to Western threats or timelines.
U.S. Insists on Full Rollback of Enrichment
From Washington’s side, U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff has insisted that a “serious deal” must include the complete dismantling of Iran’s enrichment program. U.S. intelligence assessments reportedly view even low-level enrichment as a potential stepping stone toward weaponization, particularly given Iran’s growing stockpile of enriched uranium.
Witkoff emphasized that the U.S. would not support any agreement that allows Tehran to maintain operational centrifuges or enrichment facilities capable of rapid breakout.
Talks Continue Amid Tension
Despite the deadlock, both Iran and the United States have agreed to continue indirect talks, with Oman and Italy acting as mediators. The fifth round of discussions concluded with no breakthrough, though both sides agreed to reconvene later this month.
Iran has reportedly refused to discuss enrichment caps until sanctions relief is offered upfront, while the U.S. demands guarantees of nuclear rollback before easing any restrictions.
