TEHRAN – Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi firmly stated on Wednesday that uranium enrichment remains a non-negotiable aspect of Iran’s nuclear program, following a call from U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff to halt the process.
“Iran’s enrichment is a recognized and established reality,” Araghchi said after a cabinet meeting. “While we are open to building trust to address potential concerns, the issue of enrichment itself is not up for negotiation.”
His remarks come ahead of renewed talks between Araghchi and Witkoff, scheduled for Saturday in Oman — their second meeting in a week, marking the highest-level dialogue between Tehran and Washington since U.S. President Donald Trump withdrew from the 2015 nuclear agreement in 2018.
Trump, who resumed office in January, reinstated broad sanctions as part of a “maximum pressure” campaign against Iran. In March, he sent a letter to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, proposing dialogue but warning of possible military action if negotiations fail.
Disagreements Resurface Ahead of Talks
While both sides described last Saturday’s meeting as “constructive,” tensions resurfaced when Witkoff insisted on Tuesday that Iran must “stop and eliminate” uranium enrichment as part of any new deal. Previously, the U.S. envoy had only requested Iran return to the 3.67% enrichment limit set by the 2015 accord.
Araghchi criticized what he called “contradictory and conflicting positions” from the U.S., adding, “We will learn their real stance during Saturday’s session. If these contradictions continue, it will hinder progress.”
He also said Iran was willing to begin negotiating the framework of a potential agreement but emphasized the need for “constructive positions” from Washington.
Diplomatic Outreach to Russia and China
Ahead of the talks, Araghchi will visit Russia on Thursday, according to Iran’s ambassador in Moscow, Kazem Jalili. Though described as pre-arranged, the trip will include discussions related to U.S.-Iran negotiations.
“The purpose of my visit is to deliver a written message from the Supreme Leader to President Putin,” Araghchi said.
Iran is also coordinating with China and Russia, both of whom were signatories of the original 2015 deal.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed optimism about reaching a new agreement, according to state news agency IRNA.
However, Supreme Leader Khamenei offered a cautious view, saying Tuesday that although early negotiations had gone well, success was not guaranteed. “The talks may or may not yield results,” he said, reiterating that Iran had clearly defined its “red lines.”
Red Lines and Military Limits
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has declared Iran’s military capabilities off-limits in the talks. Iranian officials have also listed regional influence and missile capabilities as non-negotiable areas, which remain key concerns for Western governments.
IAEA Oversight and Enrichment Levels
The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, was expected to arrive in Iran later Wednesday for meetings with top officials. The IAEA continues to monitor Iran’s compliance with the now-defunct 2015 deal.
In its latest assessment, the agency reported that Iran possesses approximately 274.8 kilograms of uranium enriched up to 60% purity — well above the 3.67% limit of the 2015 agreement, though still below the 90% threshold required for weapons-grade material.
