Dubai: Iran has restated its unwavering conviction that uranium enrichment on its own territory is a sovereign entitlement that must be recognized in any future nuclear deal, even as Tehran expresses readiness to participate in confidence-building measures aimed at reviving negotiations with the United States and other world powers. The declaration by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi comes against the backdrop of renewed diplomatic overtures after years of stalemate and escalating regional tensions.
Iran and the United States last met indirectly in Oman on Friday in an attempt to revive nuclear diplomacy that had been stalled largely over disputes surrounding Tehran’s nuclear enrichment activities. The two sides have held at least five rounds of such talks over the past year, but progress has been limited, with deep distrust and competing strategic interests complicating efforts to reach a meaningful agreement.
At the centre of Iran’s position is the insistence that “zero enrichment can never be accepted” by Tehran. Araghchi emphasized that while Iran is open to discussing the “level and purity” of uranium enrichment and other technical safeguards, its right to pursue enrichment domestically must be formally recognized by any negotiating partners. According to Araghchi, this principle is rooted not only in technical and economic considerations but also in national dignity and independence.
“Recognition of Iran’s right to enrich uranium is key for nuclear talks with the United States to succeed,” Araghchi said, underscoring that Tehran views its nuclear programme as solely for peaceful purposes a claim that Washington and its allies have long questioned due to fears of proliferation.
While Tehran remains firm on its enrichment rights, it has signaled some room for negotiation on confidence-building arrangements that could reassure international observers about the peaceful intent of its nuclear activities. Iranian diplomats have indicated openness to sanctions relief and discussions on the technical parameters of enrichment, provided that these arrangements do not undermine Iran’s sovereign authority over its programme.
President Masoud Pezeshkian echoed the sentiment, describing the latest round of indirect talks as a “step forward” while reiterating that Iran expects its rights under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) to be honoured. However, Tehran made clear that issues such as its missile programme remain outside the scope of the current negotiations and are not up for discussion.
The broader geopolitical context continues to shape and complicate these negotiations. A significant U.S. naval buildup near Iranian waters and longstanding regional rivalries contribute to a climate of strategic caution. Iran has consistently maintained that its programme is defensive and peaceful, while the United States and its partners urge stringent limits and monitoring to prevent any pathway toward weaponization.
The venue and timing for the next round of discussions remain undecided, with consultations reportedly ongoing between Tehran, Washington, and mediators in Oman. Some analysts view these talks as an opportunity to slowly build mutual trust, though many obstacles remain, particularly over Iran’s non-negotiable demand to maintain its enrichment activities.
Iran’s diplomatic stance reflects a broader tension in global nuclear diplomacy: balancing national sovereignty with international security concerns. By emphasizing its enrichment rights while signaling willingness to engage in confidence-building measures, Tehran appears to be attempting a nuanced approach asserting core interests while leaving room for incremental progress. How Washington and other world powers respond to this posture will likely shape the trajectory of nuclear diplomacy in the months ahead.