Iran announced on May 26, 2025, that it will not agree to a temporary suspension of uranium enrichment as part of ongoing negotiations aimed at reviving a nuclear agreement with the United States.

According to Iranian officials, Tehran has rejected Washington’s proposal to pause enrichment activities as a condition for reaching an interim deal. The statement came amid indirect talks between the two countries, with European and regional mediators attempting to bridge differences.

An unnamed Iranian official told state media that Iran views enrichment as a sovereign right and will not accept any deal that requires halting its nuclear program, even temporarily.

Talks Ongoing but Difficult

U.S. and European diplomats have been seeking to reach a limited agreement that would freeze parts of Iran’s nuclear activity in exchange for partial sanctions relief. The goal is to prevent further escalation while a broader agreement is negotiated.

Despite efforts by mediators in Oman and Qatar, no breakthrough has been reported. The U.S. has not officially commented on Iran’s latest position.

Background

Iran has been expanding its uranium enrichment program since the U.S. withdrew from the original 2015 nuclear deal in 2018. Western powers have warned that Iran is enriching uranium close to weapons-grade levels, though Tehran insists its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has raised concerns about lack of transparency and reduced access to Iranian nuclear sites.

What’s Next

Diplomatic efforts are expected to continue, but progress is uncertain. Iran has said it is open to further negotiations but will not compromise on what it sees as its national rights.

Western officials have warned that time is running out to restore trust and prevent further nuclear advancement. No date has been set for the next round of talks.

Source; Reuters