Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that Tehran will not dismantle its nuclear infrastructure as a condition for a new agreement with the U.S.
During recent discussions in Oman, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian rejected a key American demand for the dismantling of Iran’s nuclear facilities, asserting that the country’s nuclear program is solely for peaceful purposes.
In a cabinet meeting on Sunday, Pezeshkian affirmed Iran’s “serious” commitment to re-engaging with the U.S., stating, “We are negotiating [seriously] because we desire peace.”
However, he dismissed the U.S. request regarding the nuclear infrastructure as “unacceptable,” emphasizing that Iran “will continue to pursue these peaceful activities in a powerful manner.”
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reported progress in the Oman talks, noting that both sides have achieved “a better understanding.”
“The fourth round of discussions was much more serious and candid than the previous three rounds,” Araghchi told reporters. “We’ve moved beyond generalities and started dealing with more detailed issues,” he said, describing the talks as “constructive.”
Araghchi emphasized that uranium enrichment and the lifting of sanctions are fundamental to Iran’s position. He stated, “From our point of view, enrichment is an issue that must definitely continue, and there is absolutely no room for compromise there,” but added that the level and scope of enrichment could be limited for “confidence-building purposes.”
The U.S. and its allies have voiced concerns over Iran’s enrichment activities, fearing they could enable Iran to rapidly produce weapons-grade uranium. Tehran has consistently denied seeking nuclear weapons.
An unnamed senior U.S. official told CNN that the discussions “were again both direct and indirect” and that Washington “was encouraged by today’s outcome and looks forward to their next meeting, which will happen in the near future.” He added that the focus is expected to shift to “technical elements.”
The U.S. unilaterally withdrew from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal three years later, with then-President Donald Trump arguing that the agreement failed to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. The agreement involved easing sanctions on Iran in return for restrictions on its nuclear program.