AhlulBayt News Agency: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has warned the United States against making unrealistic demands in nuclear talks, asserting that Tehran will continue its enrichment program with or without a deal.
Araghchi made these remarks on Sunday, responding to a statement by Steve Witkoff, regional envoy for former US President Donald Trump. Witkoff had earlier declared that Washington would not allow Iran even a 1-percent enrichment capability.
The Iranian negotiator dismissed such claims, calling them “completely detached from the reality of negotiations.” He stated that if the US seeks to prevent nuclear weapon production, Iran is willing to cooperate. However, unrealistic demands will not be met.
Araghchi reaffirmed that Iran is ready to prove it is not pursuing nuclear weapons, should that be the concern of American officials.
In an interview with ABC’s “This Week,” Witkoff reiterated that the Trump administration’s red line was preventing Iran from any uranium enrichment capability. He claimed that enrichment leads to weaponization, and the US would not allow Iran to possess a nuclear bomb.
Following this statement, Araghchi responded on X (formerly Twitter), criticizing American officials for contradictions between their private and public statements.
He emphasized that Iran’s nuclear enrichment will continue regardless of any deal, calling it a hard-earned and indigenous achievement under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
He stated, “If the U.S. is interested in ensuring that Iran will not have nuclear weapons, a deal is within reach, and we are ready for a serious conversation. However, enrichment in Iran will continue with or without a deal.”
Additionally, Araghchi confirmed that the next round of indirect talks between Iran and the US would be organized soon.
“The timing for the next round of negotiations is almost determined, but it needs final confirmation. It will likely be announced shortly,” he said.
He also noted that the Omani foreign minister would announce the location for the upcoming indirect talks.
Iran has previously engaged in four rounds of indirect talks with the US regarding a replacement for the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which both sides have described as positive.
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