Iran Vows to Continue Nuclear Enrichment Despite U.S. Deal Talks
Iran declares it will continue nuclear enrichment, deal or no deal, as tensions rise with the U.S.
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has declared that Iran will continue its nuclear enrichment activities regardless of whether a deal is reached with the United States. In a statement on social media, Araghchi emphasized that Iran’s commitment to its “peaceful nuclear program” remains unwavering, asserting that the country will not negotiate its rights as a Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) member in public forums.
U.S. President Donald Trump, speaking on Friday, claimed that Iran had "sort of agreed to terms" on a nuclear proposal but warned that time was running out. "Eventually, they'll have a nuclear weapon," Trump said, cautioning that the window for a deal is rapidly closing if Iran wants to avoid severe consequences.
Rapid Stockpile Growth Raises Alarm
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported in March that Iran’s stockpile of 60% enriched uranium had surged from 182 kg to 275 kg (approximately 401 to 606 pounds) in early 2025, moving the country closer to the threshold needed for a nuclear weapon. U.S. Senator Marco Rubio echoed these concerns, stating that once a country reaches 60% enrichment, it is “90% of the way” to weapons-grade material.
The standoff comes amid ongoing U.S.-Iran talks, primarily held in Oman, aimed at curbing Tehran’s nuclear ambitions. Despite multiple rounds of negotiations, the path to a comprehensive agreement remains uncertain, with both sides maintaining hardline positions amid escalating geopolitical tensionsIran foreign minister v….