Iran Rejects U.S. Demand to Halt Uranium Enrichment, Calls It a Non-Negotiable National Right:

Suspense crime, Digital Desk : On Monday, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takhtravanchi indicated that the current nuclear talks between Iran and the U.S. would be unsuccessful if the U.S. continues to demand a full suspension of enrichment activities. His comments, reported by Iranian state media, responded to recent American stipulations that require zero enrichment by Tehran under any prospective agreement.

U.S. Special Representative Steve Witkoff reiterated on Sunday that the Biden administration continues pushing for an agreement that restricts any form of uranium enrichment, a potential avenue for developing nuclear weapons.

"Achievement of a Sovereign State"

“The position of Iran on enrichment is very clear,…it is a national achievement, and we will not retreat from it,” Takhtravanchi said. There continues to be a fundamental disconnect between the Iranian position and international concern. Iran has made it clear on multiple forums that its nuclear advancements are meant for peaceful purposes only.

Discrepancies Between Public and Private American Policies

Iran also put forward its stance on the United States and its policy directions. Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Esmail Baghaei remarked that the so-called American public demands don’t seem to align with the issues that they present in internal discussions behind closed doors.

"We are still taking part in negotiations even after hearing confounding remarks from the Americans," Baghaei went on to say while both sides expect Oman will be announcing a fifth round of mediation talks very soon.

Historical Context: Breakdown of the 2015 Nuclear Accord

The period under his presidency (2017-2021) was characterized by the withdrawal of the United States from the landmark 2015 nuclear agreement which put in place lucrative sanctions on Iran in exchange for striclty controlling and limiting the enrichment of nuclear materials. Trump viewed the Deal to be heavily in favor of Tehran and reinstated sweeping sanctions. This subsequently Iran responded by resuming, but more aggressively, the enrichment of uranium.

While Trump was on a recent tour of the Gulf, he also made remarks suggesting that a new deal with Iran is “very close” but Tehran needs to be quicker in their actions.