On Sunday, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that the country will persist in enriching uranium with or without trade agreements, even as discussions surrounding its nuclear program continue.
If the United States wishes to ensure that Iran does not develop nuclear weapons, Araghchi remarked that a deal is available, ready for earnest negotiation aimed at a lasting solution. Nevertheless, he emphasized that Iran’s enrichment activities would continue regardless of trading partnerships.
Currently, Iran is enriching uranium to a level of 60%, significantly above the 3.67% limit established in the 2015 agreement, yet still below the 90% threshold necessary for weaponization.
The Iranian government maintains that its nuclear objectives are solely for peaceful, civilian purposes. They assert that the right to enrich uranium for these purposes is non-negotiable, though there is openness to temporary caps on enrichment levels.
Earlier, Mohammad Eslami, head of the Iranian atomic energy organization, reaffirmed that Iran is not pursuing nuclear weaponry. He mentioned that enrichment is monitored by the UN’s nuclear oversight body.
Eslami insisted that Iran would not accept dismantling its enrichment processes.
Araghchi also expressed Iran’s willingness to restore trust with European nations, especially regarding the potential reinstatement of UN sanctions outlined in the 2015 nuclear deal. He noted that if European powers demonstrate genuine intent and independent approaches, a new chapter in relations could commence.
He indicated that there are no barriers to rebuilding mutual trust if Europe is willing to correct its course.
Recently, senior Iranian diplomats engaged in discussions with representatives from the UK, France, and Germany concerning the status of US-Iran nuclear negotiations.
“Snapback” Mechanism
Tehran has held multiple rounds of nuclear discussions with the US, marking the highest-level engagement since the US withdrew from the 2015 nuclear framework.
In 2018, during his first term, former President Donald Trump unilaterally exited the deal, reimposing sanctions on Iran’s oil exports and banking.
Subsequently, Iran began to reverse its commitments under the agreement, which had provided sanctions relief in exchange for constraints on nuclear development.
The three European nations involved in the 2015 agreement are contemplating whether to activate a “snapback” mechanism to reinstate UN sanctions in response to Iran’s non-compliance, with this option set to expire in October.
Earlier this month, Araghchi warned of “irreversible” consequences should the UK, France, and Germany choose to reintroduce sanctions.
He previously suggested visiting London, Paris, and Berlin to discuss both the nuclear issue and other mutual interests.
In his address, he encouraged European nations to prioritize shared interests over disagreements and to take a more active role in the US-Iran nuclear discussions.
Araghchi expressed a desire for Europe to engage in these talks, even if it means reducing its own influence.
Negotiations via Oman aim to finalize agreements preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, with proposals for sanctions relief in exchange for verified disarmament.
During the forum, Araghchi met with Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr Albusadi and Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman bin Jasim al Thani. A statement from Oman indicated that they discussed methods to achieve a satisfactory agreement between the US and Iran.
