Iran rejects US demand to import enriched uranium amid indirect talks
3 Min Read
Tehran's dismissal of Washington's proposal comes in defense of its right to manage its own program, while also expressing 'cautious optimism' for progress in upcoming talks despite inconsistent US positions.
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A natural gas refinery is visible at the South Pars gas field on the northern coast of the Persian Gulf, in Asaluyeh, Iran on March 16, 2019. (AP)
Tehran has rejected demands by the United States that Iran import enriched uranium from abroad rather than producing it domestically, according to the Shafaqna news agency, citing an Iranian official.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in an interview with the Free Press podcast on Wednesday that Iran should rely on imported enriched uranium for its civilian nuclear program, instead of pursuing domestic enrichment. This comment came ahead of the next round of indirect nuclear talks between Tehran and Washington.
An Iranian official familiar with the talks emphasized that maintaining a peaceful nuclear program is an inalienable right of Iran, the report noted.
Iran 'cautiously optimistic' about indirect talks with US
Regarding the talks, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi indicated that Iran maintains a cautiously optimistic outlook, stressing that this caution stems from the contradictory messages and behaviors coming out of Washington.
Speaking after his meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing, Araghchi explained that the bilateral discussions had seen relative progress, and a good understanding had been reached, compared to previous rounds, regarding the foundations and objectives of the talks. This, he noted, opens the door for continued discussion in the next phase.
The top Iranian diplomat emphasized that if Washington’s sole demand is that Iran not possess nuclear weapons, then this is an achievable goal, but warned that if the US demands are impractical and unreasonable, they will inevitably lead to complications and challenges.
Iran condemns US sanctions ahead of 3rd round of nuclear talks
It is worth noting that on Tuesday, the US Treasury imposed sanctions on Iranian liquefied petroleum gas magnate Seyed Asadoollah Emamjomeh and his corporate network.
It claimed in a statement that the network was "collectively responsible for shipping hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of Iranian LPG and crude oil to foreign markets".
"Emamjomeh and his network sought to export thousands of shipments of LPG -- including from the United States -- to evade US sanctions and generate revenue for Iran," said Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
Iran strongly condemned the sanctions, with foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei describing them as a continuation of Washington's "hostile" policies against the Iranian people.
Read more: 'Israel' still eyeing limited attack on Iran nuclear sites: Reuters
