Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi stated on Monday that nuclear negotiations with the United States would be futile if Washington continues to demand that Tehran completely halt its uranium enrichment, according to state media.
This response came after US special envoy Steve Witkoff reiterated on Sunday that any potential agreement with Iran must include a commitment to end uranium enrichment, which is considered a key step toward developing nuclear weapons.
“Our stance on enrichment is clear, and we have repeatedly emphasized that it is a national achievement we will not abandon,” Takht-Ravanchi asserted.
Western nations, including the US and Israel, have long suspected Iran of pursuing nuclear weapons, an accusation Tehran denies, insisting its program is intended for peaceful purposes. Despite these claims, Iran has enriched uranium to 60 percent purity — a level that experts say is close to weapons-grade material — and has restricted international inspectors’ access to its nuclear sites.
“We have one very, very clear red line, and that is enrichment. We cannot allow even 1% of an enrichment capability,” Witkoff told ABC’s “This Week.”
In response, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi posted on his X account: “If the US is interested in ensuring that Iran will not have nuclear weapons, a deal is within reach, and we are ready for a serious conversation to achieve a solution that will forever ensure that outcome. Enrichment in Iran, however, will continue with or without a deal.”
Earlier this year, US special envoy Steve Witkoff suggested that Washington might allow Iran to retain a limited uranium enrichment capability. However, the Trump administration has since adopted a stricter public position on the issue.
During a recent visit to the Gulf region, President Donald Trump indicated that a deal with Iran was “very close” but stressed that Tehran needed to act swiftly to secure an agreement.
