Iran rejects U.S. demand to halt uranium enrichment

Iran will continue enriching uranium regardless of whether a deal is reached with the United States, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on Sunday, pushing back against Washington’s insistence on a full halt.

“Uranium enrichment will continue in Iran, with or without an agreement,” Araqchi wrote on social media platform X, adding that Tehran was open to “serious dialogue” but would not relinquish its nuclear rights.

His comments followed remarks by U.S. presidential envoy Steven Witkoff, who told ABC News that Washington’s red line is “zero enrichment” in Iran. “We cannot allow Iran even 1% enrichment capacity,” he said.

Witkoff said the U.S. and Iran are expected to meet in Europe next week for further talks and expressed hope for “positive results.” Araqchi confirmed that a date for a fifth round of indirect talks may soon be set.

Tehran has previously said it may consider limiting the scale and level of enrichment if sanctions are lifted but will never end its peaceful nuclear program, guaranteed under the Non-Proliferation Treaty.

N.Tebrizli