Iran declares no enrichment means no deal as nuclear talks with US continue

The United States and Iran have resumed nuclear negotiations in Rome, with both parties making their red lines increasingly clear in public statements. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei criticized Washington’s apparent demand for a ban on all uranium enrichment in Iran, casting doubt on the possibility of reaching a deal. The White House has not confirmed whether it is indeed calling for a ban on uranium enrichment for civil purposes like nuclear energy.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei described the current round of talks as “especially sensitive,” highlighting the delicate nature of the negotiations. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi expressed hope for progress in the upcoming meetings, emphasizing the need for solutions to move the negotiations forward.

Araqchi outlined Tehran’s position on Washington’s demands, stating that zero nuclear weapons would lead to a deal, while zero enrichment would not. He underscored the importance of reaching a decision on the matter. Meanwhile, Iran has pledged to continue its nuclear enrichment activities, with or without a deal in place.

Iran has maintained that it has no intention of developing nuclear weapons, but its actions, such as expanding its missile program and accumulating enriched uranium, have raised concerns among experts and international organizations like the International Atomic Energy Agency. While many countries, including the U.S., rely on uranium enrichment for nuclear energy production, Iran’s nuclear energy accounts for less than 1% of its overall energy consumption.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has indicated that the U.S. is working towards a deal that would allow Iran to have a civil nuclear energy program without enriched uranium. However, achieving such an agreement is expected to be challenging. Iran expert Behnam Ben Taleblu emphasized the importance of Washington’s insistence on zero enrichment as a non-proliferation measure.

As the negotiations continue, both parties are aware of the stakes involved. Iran is seeking to alleviate economic pressure and prevent military action, while the U.S. aims to address security concerns and prevent further sanctions. The outcome of the talks will have significant implications for regional stability and global security.

In conclusion, the nuclear negotiations between the U.S. and Iran are at a critical juncture, with both sides expressing their red lines and priorities. The path to a potential deal remains uncertain, but the dialogue and engagement between the two countries offer hope for progress and resolution.