Iran Will Not Dismantle Uranium Enrichment Facilities: Foreign Minister

Tehran (IANS) – Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has firmly stated that Iran will not dismantle any of its uranium enrichment facilities, reiterating the country’s unwavering stance on its nuclear program.

Speaking on Thursday during a visit to the 36th Tehran International Book Fair, Araghchi addressed Iran’s position in the ongoing, Oman-mediated indirect nuclear negotiations with the United States.

“We are committed to transparency and building trust on the nuclear issue, but we will not abandon our uranium enrichment. None of our enrichment facilities will be dismantled — this is a core principle of our policy,” he asserted, according to reports by Xinhua.

Araghchi emphasized that Iran seeks the removal of sanctions through these indirect talks with the US, while simultaneously upholding its nuclear rights.

“We are prepared to offer transparency and build trust in exchange for sanctions relief,” he said.

He further underscored that protecting Iran’s nuclear rights — including the right to enrich uranium — remains a fundamental part of the country's negotiating stance.

His remarks came in the wake of the fourth round of indirect talks between Iranian and US delegations, held on Sunday in Muscat, the capital of Oman. The discussions aim to address Tehran’s nuclear program and the lifting of US sanctions.

Former US President Donald Trump, speaking in Qatar during a visit to the Gulf region, commented on the situation, saying, “I think we’re getting close to maybe doing a deal without needing to resort to military action.”

Referring to reports suggesting that Iran may be close to agreeing to certain terms, Trump added, “You’ve probably seen the news — Iran seems to have accepted some of the conditions.”

Trump has repeatedly stated that Iran must not be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons. While Iran has consistently denied any intention of developing nuclear arms, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has reported that Iran has enriched uranium to levels close to weapons-grade — sufficient, in theory, to produce six nuclear bombs.

US and Iranian negotiators have been engaged in discussions for several weeks. Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, described the latest round of talks in Muscat as “encouraging.”

Meanwhile, Araghchi described the negotiations as “difficult but constructive,” reiterating that uranium enrichment is non-negotiable for Iran.

“Enrichment is a red line for us. There is no room for compromise on this issue,” he said. “However, its scale, level, or quantity might be adjusted temporarily as part of confidence-building measures.”