Feb 20 • 13:33 UTC 🇱🇹 Lithuania 15min

Iran: The US did not ask for a complete halt to uranium enrichment

Iranian officials clarified that no request was made by the US to fully suspend uranium enrichment during recent negotiations.

In a recent interview, Iranian official A. Araghchi stated that the United States has not requested a complete cessation of uranium enrichment, contrary to some expectations following the recent rounds of negotiations in Geneva. Instead, he emphasized that Iran is not offering any suspension of its enrichment activities. These discussions have been brokered by Oman as both countries aim to address their conflicting interests: the US seeks to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, while Iran is looking for relief from US sanctions.

Araghchi highlighted that, despite agreements on 'key principles,' there remain significant differences. US Vice President J.D. Vance pointed out that Iran has yet to acknowledge all of the US's 'red lines,' indicating the complexity and difficulty of reaching a comprehensive deal. The ongoing tensions are exacerbated by Iran's firm stance on its right to enrich uranium, which the head of Iran's nuclear agency defended amidst renewed US threats. There is a sense of urgency as the US has indicated there are various 'reasons' to potentially strike Iran if these enrichment activities continue unchecked.

The historical context of these negotiations is also significant, especially following the collapse of earlier talks prompted by military actions from Israel last year. Iran's position remains strong, with claims that no nation can take away its right to enrich uranium. The delicate balance of diplomacy continues as both Iran and the US navigate the implications of their nuclear policies amidst regional and international pressures.

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