Iran has categorically dismissed the latest United States call to end its uranium enrichment program. Just before key high-level negotiations, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi declared enrichment a “non-negotiable” national right. His comments are a clear rebuff to Washington’s rising pressure and throw doubt over continuing diplomatic efforts.
US had insisted Iran should completely drop uranium enrichment. But Tehran regards this as an overextension, even beyond the levels agreed in the 2015 nuclear deal. Iran’s position not only makes the next negotiations in Oman more complicated—it also tests overall US credibility in global nuclear negotiations.
Tehran draws a clear red line
Talking after a cabinet session on Wednesday, Abbas Araghchi reiterated that Iran is still dedicated to transparency but will not give up on enrichment.
BREAKING 🚨 Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi: Tehran’s right to enrich uranium is not subject to negotiation with the U.S. pic.twitter.com/wvGy3g81zf
— Yossi BenYakar (@YossiBenYakar) April 16, 2025
“Iran’s enrichment is an actual, accepted issue,” he declared.
“We are prepared to establish confidence in response to potential concerns, but the question of enrichment is not negotiable.”
His words leave little space for doubt. Iran’s stance is firm.
High-level talks resume in Oman
Abbas Araghchi is expected to sit down with US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff on Saturday in Oman. It will be their second direct encounter, after rare face-to-face discussions last weekend.
That meeting was hailed as “constructive” by both parties. However, the mood changed rapidly when Witkoff, on Tuesday, insisted Iran “stop and eliminate” uranium enrichment in its entirety. His remarks were even more than the previous US demands to merely cap enrichment at 3.67%—the limit specified in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
Trump’s strategy: Pressure, not Partnership
President Donald Trump, who resumed office in January, has renewed his “maximum pressure” approach. He initially withdrew the US from the JCPOA in 2018 and restored comprehensive sanctions on Iran.
Today, his administration seems to be demanding even more stringent terms. Iran views these actions as an echo of past failures. Araghchi denounced what he referred to as “contradictory and conflicting positions” from Washington.
“We will find out the true opinions of the Americans during the negotiation session,” he said.
Khamenei urges caution amid uncertainty
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei also weighed in on the diplomatic developments. He said the initial phase of negotiations looked “promising” but warned of possible setbacks.
“The negotiations may or may not yield results,” Khamenei said on Tuesday.
His words underscore Tehran’s abiding suspicion and cautious trust of the US negotiating team.
Why this matters: Global impact beyond Iran ?
Iran’s unyielding posture doesn’t merely influence local politics. It puts global nuclear diplomacy in the microscope.
If negotiations fail once more, US credibility in enforcing and negotiating future nuclear deals—either with North Korea or other competitors—may be at stake. Allies might doubt Washington’s ability to provide stable, long-term offers. Competitors might feel encouraged to follow their own ways, even if that involves violating international norms.
This moment is not solely about Iran. It’s about whether the US can still lead substantive nuclear diplomacy in a divided world.
