Iran: Uranium enrichment will continue despite US demands

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Al Mayadeen English
18 May 2025 22:54

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reaffirms that uranium enrichment is non-negotiable, as Tehran rejects US demands and welcomes greater European involvement in nuclear talks.

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Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi attends a news conference following his meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow, Russia, Friday, April 18, 2025 (AP)

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi asserted on Sunday that uranium enrichment in Iran will not stop, rejecting recent US calls to halt the program.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Tehran Dialogue Forum, Araghchi responded to US envoy Steve Witkoff’s remarks about halting enrichment, emphasizing, "I believe his statement is far from the reality of negotiations. Enrichment will continue in Iran."

Uranium enrichment: A national right

Araghchi emphasized that uranium enrichment is a natural right of the Iranian people, calling it a major achievement for which the country has paid a high price, including the assassination of its nuclear scientists. "This process is not subject to bargaining," he stated.

He added that recognition of this right is essential for any successful negotiations, stressing that talks will only succeed if this principle is upheld.

No place for nuclear weapons in Iran's doctrine

Addressing Western concerns, Araghchi reiterated that nuclear weapons have no place in Iran’s defensive doctrine.

"If the United States wants to ensure that Iran is not moving toward nuclear weapons, such an agreement is within reach," he said. "We are fully ready for that. But if their demands are unrealistic, they will not be met."

Welcoming greater European role in nuclear talks

Araghchi also called on US officials to act rationally and propose realistic demands, while welcoming greater European involvement in nuclear negotiations.

He noted that European countries are currently distant from the ongoing dialogue between Iran and the United States, a situation Tehran does not favor. However, he affirmed that Iran will continue talks with Europe, expressing optimism about achieving constructive understandings.

Iran's nuclear program strictly peaceful, civilian

Earlier today, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian strongly defended Iran’s peaceful nuclear policy, affirming the country’s right to pursue nuclear technology strictly for civilian purposes.

At the Tehran Dialogue Forum 2025, he emphasized that Iran’s nuclear advancements serve critical sectors such as health, agriculture, and industry, not warfare.

Pezeshkian reiterated that Iran’s religious and ethical principles strictly prohibit the development of nuclear weapons, stating that such arms contradict both Islamic principles and human conscience.

Responding to Western accusations, he said, "Others continue to claim that Iran is pursuing nuclear weapons. These are nothing but baseless, warmongering allegations."

He added, "Even the US President said, ‘We must make sure Iran doesn’t have nuclear weapons.’ Fine — let them come and verify. We have nothing to hide. We are neither pursuing nor believe in building nuclear weapons."