Iran says zero uranium enrichment off the table as nuclear talks resume

Hind Al Soulia - Riyadh - TEHRAN — Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Saturday that Tehran is ready to reach what he described as a “reassuring agreement” on its nuclear program, while stressing that halting uranium enrichment entirely is not negotiable.

Speaking to Al Jazeera, Araghchi said Iran’s nuclear file can only be resolved through negotiations, noting that Washington returned to talks after previously resorting to military pressure.

“Negotiations are the only way to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue,” Araghchi said, calling the recent discussions with the United States “a good starting point,” while adding that a “long road remains to rebuild trust” between the two sides.

He emphasized that Iran’s missile program is not, and will not be, part of negotiations, describing it as a defensive issue outside the scope of the nuclear talks.

Araghchi said Tehran is prepared to build confidence and engage in what he termed realistic negotiations aimed at a “fair, win-win outcome,” reiterating Iran’s readiness to reach an agreement that reassures all sides regarding enrichment.

At the same time, he underlined that zero enrichment is “not on the negotiating table,” describing uranium enrichment as a guaranteed right that “must continue.”

“Even bombardment failed to destroy our capabilities,” he said.

Addressing regional security, Araghchi said Iran does not target neighboring countries, but rather U.S. military bases in the region.

“We do not attack neighboring states; we target U.S. bases in the region, and there is a big difference,” he said, adding that while Iran cannot strike U.S. territory directly, it would respond to any American attack by targeting U.S. bases in the region.

He said the possibility of war “always exists,” stressing that Iran is prepared for such a scenario while continuing efforts to prevent escalation.

Related Article

Zelenskyy says US pushing for Ukraine war to end by early summer

Araghchi noted that although negotiations with Washington were conducted indirectly, they still provided an opportunity for engagement, saying there is no set date yet for a second round of talks but that both sides believe it should take place soon.

On enrichment levels, he said the degree of enrichment depends on Iran’s needs and stressed that enriched uranium would not leave the country, while adding that Tehran is ready to reduce enrichment levels as part of an agreement.

“We do not want a regional war, nor do the countries of the region,” Araghchi said, warning that any U.S. attack would change that equation.

He said he told mediators in Muscat that he was prepared to remain in talks as long as necessary to reach a genuine agreement quickly, adding that changing the location of future negotiations remains possible.

U.S. President Donald Trump said Friday that Iran “wants to make a deal very badly,” following what he described as “good talks” in Oman.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump cited U.S. military deployments in the region and warned of serious consequences if negotiations fail.

“We're going to meet again early next week,” Trump said, reiterating that any deal must ensure Iran does not acquire nuclear weapons.

Iran and the United States resumed indirect nuclear diplomacy on Friday after weeks of heightened tensions fueled by U.S. warnings of possible military action.

Araghchi described the talks as a “good start,” saying they could continue if the atmosphere of distrust is overcome, while Oman said the discussions were serious and helped clarify positions and identify areas for possible progress.