Iran has no intention of halting its uranium enrichment program, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told state television today, quoted by DPA. This statement was made against the backdrop of ongoing negotiations with the US to limit Tehran's nuclear program, BTA reports.
Araghchi stressed that all countries have the right to develop nuclear programs for peaceful purposes and added that Iran has no intention of creating nuclear weapons. He also specified that the uranium enrichment program is not subject to negotiations.
Iran's Foreign Minister rejected US demands to halt uranium enrichment or stop its imports. He said he had also discussed these issues with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
In 2015, Iran agreed to limit its nuclear program under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, which included limits on uranium enrichment to 3.67% and stockpiling a maximum of 300 kg of uranium. After the US withdrew from the agreement in 2018, Iran began enriching uranium to 60% and currently has over 8,000 kg of uranium.
The fourth round of talks with Washington, which was due to take place tomorrow in Rome, has been postponed without a new date. Iran explained that the postponement was due to logistical problems.
Observers suggest that the main reason for the delay in the talks may be the new sanctions imposed on companies trading in Iranian oil. There is also speculation that the two sides are so far from an agreement that progress is almost impossible, DPA notes.