Iran won't dismantle uranium enrichment facilities, says Foreign Minister

Tehran: Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has reaffirmed that Iran’s uranium enrichment facilities will remain intact, dismissing any possibility of dismantlement.

Speaking at the 36th Tehran International Book Fair, he elaborated on Iran’s stance in the ongoing Oman-mediated nuclear negotiations with the United States.

"We may be building trust and offering transparency regarding the nuclear issue, but we will not forgo our (uranium) enrichment. None of our enrichment facilities will be dismantled, and this is our principled position," Araghchi said.

He stressed that in addition to upholding its nuclear rights, Iran sought sanctions relief through indirect negotiations with the US, Xinhua news agency reported.

"We are ready to build trust and offer transparency to the other side in return for the sanctions' removal," the minister said.

Araghchi underscored that defending the Iranian people's nuclear rights, including uranium enrichment, was among the country's principles and fundamental positions in the negotiations.

His remarks came as Iranian and US delegations on Sunday held the fourth round of indirect talks on Tehran's nuclear programme and the removal of Washington's sanctions in the Omani capital, Muscat.

"I think we're getting close to maybe doing a deal without having to do this," Trump said, referring to military action against Iran.

He made the comments on Thursday in Qatar, the second leg of his Gulf tour.

"You probably read the story that Iran has sort of agreed to the terms," he said.

Trump has repeatedly said Iran cannot be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon.

Despite Iran's repeated denials, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has reported that the country has enriched uranium to levels nearing weapons-grade, with enough material to potentially produce six nuclear bombs.

The ongoing nuclear negotiations between the United States and Iran have stretched for weeks, with Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, describing the latest discussions in Muscat, Oman, as "encouraging".

Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi characterised the negotiations as "difficult but useful", reflecting the complexities of the diplomatic efforts.

"Enrichment is an issue that Iran will not give up, and there is no room for compromise on it," he said.

"However, its dimensions, levels or amounts might change for a period to allow confidence-building."

(inputs from IANS)