Iran: Nuclear talks "will lead nowhere" if US demands end to uranium enrichment

Nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States “will lead nowhere” if Washington insists that Tehran cease its uranium enrichment activities entirely, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takhtravanchi said on May 19, according to state media.

U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff reiterated Washington’s position on May 18 that any new agreement must include a commitment from Iran to stop uranium enrichment — a process that can potentially be used to develop nuclear weapons, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

Iran insists its nuclear programme is solely for peaceful purposes.

“Our position on enrichment is clear and we have repeatedly stated that it is a national achievement from which we will not back down,” Takhtravanchi added.

Last week, during a visit to the Gulf, U.S. President Donald Trump said a deal with Iran was “very close” but urged Tehran to act swiftly.

Trump withdrew the US from the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers during his 2017-21 term. The deal had imposed strict limits on Iran’s enrichment activities in exchange for relief from international sanctions.

Describing the 2015 accord as one-sided in Iran’s favour, Trump reinstated wide-ranging sanctions on Tehran, prompting Iran to increase its uranium enrichment levels in response.

By Aghakazim Guliyev