Iran insists on enriching uranium despite US proposals for regional fuel cooperation

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmail Baghaei has described ongoing indirect nuclear negotiations with the United States as “difficult,” citing Washington’s disregard for diplomatic conventions and a pattern of contradictory behavior that undermines trust at the negotiating table.

“We used the word 'difficult' to describe negotiations with the United States because part of the complexity arises from the fact that the other side does not adhere to any conventional diplomatic norms,” Baghaei said during a press briefing on May 19 morning, Caliber.Az reports via Iranian media.

The senior diplomat criticized the US administration for maintaining sanctions against Iran while simultaneously claiming to seek a diplomatic resolution. “Imposing sanctions while claiming to pursue a diplomatic path with the Islamic Republic of Iran is itself evidence of their lack of seriousness and goodwill,” he stressed.

“This reality proves that American policymakers maintain a hostile attitude toward the Iranian people, and their claims of commitment to dialogue and diplomacy should not be taken seriously,” Baghaei added.

Despite expressing frustration with the conduct of US negotiators, the Iranian spokesperson reiterated Tehran’s commitment to diplomacy. “Iran has chosen the path of diplomacy because it firmly believes that, regarding the nuclear issue, there is neither cause for concern nor anything hidden.”

Baghaei clarified that the ongoing talks with the US are indirect and conducted through specific representatives. “The only negotiation process that exists is these indirect negotiations, which are led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs on the Iranian side and by the President's Special Representative on the American side. There is no other process other than these indirect negotiations.”

He noted that while Iran continues to engage, the US has failed to present a consistent or concrete offer. “We did not receive any written proposal [from the U.S.],” he said, adding that American negotiators frequently shift their positions and introduce new demands. “This creates ambiguity and confusion. The positions raised at the negotiating table have, in some cases, been completely at odds with media reports.”

Baghaei also addressed recent speculation regarding a regional nuclear fuel consortium. He clarified that Iran did not propose such an initiative and emphasized it would not replace the country's uranium enrichment activities.

“We never raised this [issue], and this idea has existed for two decades and was discussed in some cases by some parties. It would not be bad to establish fuel complexes in our region so that all countries in the region can invest,” he stated.

“If such an initiative exists, we welcome it, but such an idea is not going to replace Iran's uranium enrichment. If the intention of the plan is to make us give up enrichment, then nothing like that will happen.”

By Vafa Guliyeva