Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on Sunday that recognising Tehran’s right to enrich uranium is essential for progress in nuclear negotiations with the United States, and that Iran is open to confidence-building measures while preserving that right.
Speaking after indirect talks held in Oman on Friday aimed at reviving diplomatic engagement, Araqchi said Iran will never accept “zero enrichment” and wants talks to focus on arrangements that allow enrichment within its territory while building trust that Tehran’s nuclear activities are peaceful.
The five rounds of U.S.–Iran nuclear discussions last year stalled primarily because of disagreements over uranium enrichment, with Washington pushing for strict limits and Tehran insisting on its sovereign right to enrich, which it says is protected under the Nuclear Non‑Proliferation Treaty and vital for national dignity and independence.
A diplomat familiar with Iran’s position said Tehran is willing to discuss the level and purity of enrichment as well as other confidence-building arrangements, provided sanctions relief and military de-escalation accompany any agreement.
Araqchi also dismissed including Iran’s missile program in the current negotiation agenda, saying it has not been part of discussions so far. President Masoud Pezeshkian described recent talks as a “step forward” and reiterated Iran’s desire for its rights under the NPT to be respected.
The date and location of the next round of talks remain undecided and will be determined in consultation with Oman.