Iran denies enrichment freeze, reaffirms commitment to fair deal

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: News websites
26 May 2025 15:41

As President Pezeshkian prepares to visit Oman, Iran affirms it remains open to diplomatic engagement, denies talks of temporary deals, and condemns Israeli atrocities in Gaza.

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An undated image of Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei (IRNA)

Iran’s Foreign Ministry has rejected reports claiming a suspension of uranium enrichment, emphasizing that Tehran remains fully committed to preserving its peaceful nuclear program and is actively pursuing a fair and realistic nuclear agreement.

Speaking at his weekly press briefing on Monday, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei dismissed what he called fabricated rumors regarding indirect talks with the United States. He asserted that such reports “originate from the Zionist entity, which is attempting to sabotage the current diplomatic process.”

Baghaei emphasized that Iran is not seeking to stall the diplomatic process, but is firmly committed to securing a “fair, equitable, and realistic” agreement, one that upholds the country's legitimate rights under international law and reflects mutual respect.

Addressing the broader diplomatic context, Baghaei clarified that no date or location has been set for the next round of nuclear talks, as consultations with Omani mediators are still ongoing. He denied speculation that a temporary agreement was being discussed or that the US had requested inspections of Iranian military sites, calling such claims “false and baseless.”

Baghaei reiterated that Iran’s peaceful nuclear program is non-negotiable, and uranium enrichment remains a fundamental part of it. While Iran is open to cooperation with regional states on joint nuclear fuel production, he noted, such efforts cannot substitute for uranium enrichment in Iran.

No meeting planned with US during Oman visit

The spokesperson also announced that Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian will visit Oman on May 27–28 at the invitation of Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, and that the visit will focus on regional developments and the status of nuclear talks.

However, Baghaei clarified that no meeting with US officials is planned during the trip, underscoring that current talks remain indirect and mediated.

Responding to reports about a supposed three-year suspension of enrichment, the Foreign Ministry firmly denied any such agreement. Baghaei stated that Iran continues to engage constructively with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and urged the agency to act with professionalism and neutrality, free from political influence.

It was also confirmed that the IAEA Deputy Director General will visit Tehran this week to continue technical discussions and reinforce bilateral cooperation.

Shifting to regional issues, Baghaei emphasized that the “core crisis in the region is the ongoing genocide in Gaza.”

The spokesperson condemned the atrocities committed by "Israel", especially the overnight airstrike on a school sheltering displaced civilians.

“The horrifying massacres committed in Gaza must not be ignored,” Baghaei said, accusing the Israeli entity, backed by the United States and enabled by Western silence, of perpetrating systematic war crimes.