Iran Rejects U.S. Call to Freeze Enrichment
Iran refuses temporary halt on uranium enrichment despite U.S. nuclear negotiations.
Iran has firmly rejected a proposal to temporarily suspend uranium enrichment as part of negotiations with the United States to revive a nuclear agreement. At a press conference on Monday, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei stated, “Iran will never accept that,” in response to reports suggesting Tehran could agree to a three-year enrichment freeze.
The announcement dims prospects for progress in the stalled nuclear talks, which aim to curb Iran’s ability to develop nuclear weapons in exchange for easing crippling economic sanctions.
President Donald Trump described recent negotiations with Iranian representatives as “very good,” indicating that progress may be underway through mediators such as Oman. However, Iran said no date has been set for a sixth round of talks.
“If there is goodwill from the American side, we are also optimistic,” said Baghaei. “But if talks are aimed at curbing Iran’s rights, then talks will get nowhere.”