Iran has firmly rejected proposals to temporarily suspend its uranium enrichment program as a precondition for finalizing a new nuclear agreement with the United States. The decision was confirmed as the fifth round of indirect talks between the two countries recently concluded in Rome, with Oman serving as a mediator.
President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that Iran is fully prepared to endure any consequences of a failed negotiation and emphasized that the country would not collapse under renewed economic sanctions. His comments come in response to growing pressure from the United States and its allies to curb uranium enrichment, which Washington believes could be used to develop nuclear weapons. However, Iran insists that its nuclear program remains peaceful in nature.
Despite President Donald Trump describing the recent discussions as “very good,” fundamental disagreements persist. One of the key sticking points is Washington’s demand that Iran halt uranium enrichment activities, a condition Tehran views as a violation of its sovereign rights.
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei echoed this sentiment, criticizing U.S. demands as “excessive and outrageous.” He voiced doubts about the success of the ongoing negotiations, stating that any agreement must respect Iran’s national interests.
The proposal currently on the table seeks to revive elements of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which was unilaterally abandoned by the United States in 2018 under President Trump. The new framework includes stricter inspections, extended timelines for nuclear restrictions, and enhanced international oversight, while allowing Iran to maintain parts of its nuclear infrastructure.
In addition, Russia has emerged as a potential strategic partner in the renewed diplomatic push. Moscow is being considered as a possible host for Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile and a guarantor to ensure Iran’s compliance with any new agreement.
As Tehran awaits further communication from Oman regarding the next steps in the diplomatic process, uncertainty continues to loom over the future of the nuclear talks. The lack of a fallback plan from Iran has raised international concerns, particularly as the country continues uranium enrichment activities that exceed the limits of the original 2015 deal.