Tehran: In a bold assertion amid budding diplomatic overtures with the United States, Iran has declared it will not relinquish its uranium enrichment programme under any circumstances, even if war is thrust upon it.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, speaking at a forum here on Sunday, underlined Tehran’s unyielding position: “Why do we stress enrichment so much? Why refuse to abandon it even if war is imposed? Because no one has the right to dictate our behaviour.” He affirmed that enrichment remains Iran’s sovereign right, despite the heavy toll paid for its peaceful nuclear pursuits.
This resolute stance follows a recent meeting in Muscat with US envoy Steve Witcoff, which Araghchi hailed as a “good beginning”, complete with handshakes. Yet he cautioned that rebuilding trust would be a lengthy process, urging swift resumption of talks. Iran, he warned, would retaliate against any American aggression by targeting US bases while deeming its missile program non-negotiable a cornerstone of national security.
On the other side, US President Trump described the discussions as “very good” and signalled another round next week. Washington continues its pressure tactics, including a new executive order imposing tariffs on nations trading with Iran and fresh sanctions on oil-related shipping entities. US officials Witcoff and Jared Kushner even toured the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Arabian Sea, underscoring military posturing.
As tensions simmer over sanctions and nuclear ambitions, Iran signals openness to dialogue but firmness on core rights, setting the stage for a precarious path ahead.