Iran Warns US: Uranium Enrichment Nullification Could Derail Talks

Despite ongoing negotiations between Iran and the United States regarding Iran’s nuclear program, tensions remain high over uranium enrichment. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi has warned that talks could collapse if the U.S. insists on nullifying Iran’s uranium enrichment process. This stance is considered a ‘red line’ by Washington. The negotiations continue in a relatively positive atmosphere; however, Tehran warns that dialogue will lead nowhere if the U.S. maintains its position against uranium enrichment. American envoy Steve Witkoff reiterated Washington’s demand that any new agreement must include Tehran ceasing uranium enrichment—a process that could potentially lead to nuclear weapon development. Iran insists its nuclear program is purely for peaceful energy purposes. “Our stance on enrichment is clear, and we have repeatedly stated it as a national achievement we will not compromise,” Takht Ravanchi emphasized. During his recent visit to Gulf countries, U.S. President Donald Trump noted that an agreement was close but acknowledged differences. Complicating matters further, Washington publicly expresses views differing from private discussions. “While we hear conflicting statements from the Americans, we continue to participate in negotiations,” said Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei, as both sides await Oman’s announcement of a fifth round of talks. Previously, during Trump’s first term (2017-2021), he withdrew the U.S. from a 2015 deal limiting Iran’s enrichment activities in exchange for lifting international sanctions. Trump criticized the 2015 deal as one-sided, favoring Iran, and reimposed harsh sanctions, prompting Iran to escalate its enrichment efforts.