None of Iran’s nuclear facilities will be dismantled: Araghchi
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Iran’s foreign minister asserts Tehran will not dismantle any nuclear facilities, reaffirming the country’s right to uranium enrichment amid ongoing indirect talks with the US.
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This satellite photo from Planet Labs PBC shows Iran's Natanz nuclear site near Natanz, Iran, on April 14, 2023. (Planet Labs PBC via AP)
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reaffirmed Tehran’s firm position that none of its nuclear facilities will be dismantled, as indirect negotiations continue with the United States over a potential revival of the nuclear agreement abandoned by Washington in 2018.
Speaking at the Foreign Ministry's booth during the 36th Tehran International Book Fair on Thursday, Araghchi stressed that Iran’s uranium enrichment program is non-negotiable.
“Defending the rights of the Iranian people in the nuclear field, including [uranium] enrichment, is one of these principles and rights of the people that we will not compromise on, neither in the media nor at the negotiation table,” he told reporters. “This is the right of the Iranian people, and no one can deny it.”
His remarks show Iran’s longstanding position that any agreement must acknowledge its sovereign right to peaceful nuclear development under international law.
US President Donald Trump claimed on Thursday that the United States was getting very close to securing a nuclear deal with Iran, with Tehran being potentially close to agreeing to the terms.
Fresh talks between Iranian and US negotiators aimed at resolving disputes over Tehran’s nuclear program concluded in Oman on Sunday, with officials confirming plans for further negotiations.
Iran, however, has publicly reaffirmed its commitment to continuing uranium enrichment.
No dismantlement, but transparency offered
While firmly rejecting any dismantling of nuclear infrastructure, Araghchi stated that Tehran remains committed to transparency and dialogue with the aim of building trust and securing the lifting of anti-Iran sanctions.
“We may clarify this process, but none of the nuclear facilities will be dismantled,” he emphasized.
The diplomat reiterated Iran’s willingness to continue indirect talks, on the condition that the US shows seriousness and readiness to reach an agreement that upholds Iran’s rights.
Despite four rounds of discussions with the administration of US President Donald Trump, Araghchi confirmed that the two sides have yet to reach a basic framework.
“If we reach a framework of understanding and agreement, other issues will also be raised, but we have not yet reached that point,” he noted.
The indirect negotiations, often described as positive in tone, aim to restore some form of nuclear deal following the collapse of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2018, when the Trump administration unilaterally withdrew from the accord.
Iran denies receiving US-written proposal
Addressing rumors in local and international media, Araghchi dismissed claims that the US had submitted a written nuclear proposal during the latest round of talks.
“During the talks, ideas were presented to the other side in written form, but we haven’t received any ideas in written form until now,” he clarified.
Tehran continues to demand credible guarantees from Washington that all sanctions will be removed and that any future agreement will not be abruptly abandoned again, as was the case in 2018.
