Tehran :In a decisive and categorical statement, Iran has once again clarified its unwavering position regarding its nuclear program: any nuclear talks that make uranium enrichment a condition for progress are unacceptable to Tehran. The Iranian leadership emphasized that enriching uranium for peaceful purposes is an unalienable right under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), and this right will not be relinquished under international pressure — not even from the United States.
Firm Stance from Iran’s Leadership
Ali Velayati, senior advisor to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, reiterated Iran’s hardline position in an interview with the official Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA). He stated unequivocally, “If the condition for negotiations is to halt enrichment, then no such negotiations are possible. This position is not new; it is a continuation of Iran’s consistent policy on its nuclear rights.”
Velayati’s remarks follow growing speculation about a potential thaw in relations between Tehran and Washington, especially in the aftermath of a volatile two-week escalation involving Israel, Iran, and U.S. military forces.
Background: Tensions and Diplomacy in the Shadow of Conflict
Recent Escalation Fuels Diplomatic Uncertainty
The current standoff comes in the wake of a sharp rise in hostilities between Iran and Israel, beginning with an Israeli surprise missile strike on Iranian targets on June 13. The strike reportedly targeted facilities affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and prompted limited retaliatory airstrikes by the United States in support of its Israeli ally.
This brief but intense exchange of fire derailed what had been a fragile yet ongoing diplomatic process mediated by Oman. Prior to the flare-up, five discreet rounds of negotiations had taken place between Iranian chief negotiator Abbas Araqchi and U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff. These talks were aimed at de-escalating tensions and exploring the revival of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), also known as the Iran nuclear deal, which the U.S. unilaterally exited under the Trump administration in 2018.
However, according to Iranian officials, the sixth round of negotiations was halted due to the “aggressive and provocative actions” of Israel, carried out with “explicit U.S. backing.”
Iran’s Nuclear Policy: Right to Enrich Under International Law
Iran maintains that its nuclear program is peaceful in nature and that it has the legal right to enrich uranium for civilian energy and medical research under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, to which it is a signatory.
Velayati’s Message: National Dignity is Non-Negotiable
Ali Velayati’s remarks reflect not only Iran’s technical position but also the ideological foundation of its nuclear stance: sovereignty and resistance to foreign coercion. “Iran will never bow to unjust and one-sided demands that infringe upon its rights and dignity,” Velayati told IRNA. “We are willing to talk, but not under conditions that equate to surrender.”
Iranian Foreign Ministry Confirms Position
Echoing Velayati’s position, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghai emphasized that there is currently no scheduled date, time, or location for any formal meeting between the U.S. and Iran. He reiterated that Iran had entered previous talks with sincerity but was met with betrayal.
“We were honest in our intentions. But before the sixth round could begin, the U.S. allowed Israel to carry out military aggression against us — how can trust be built in such an environment?” Baghai questioned during a press briefing in Tehran.
President Peshkerian Calls for Constructive Dialogue
Despite Iran’s firm stance on enrichment, President Masoud Peshkerian struck a more conciliatory tone in a separate statement. He underlined Iran’s continued commitment to diplomacy and peaceful dialogue.
“Iran supports diplomacy and meaningful negotiations,” said President Peshkerian. “We believe the path of dialogue remains open. However, meaningful dialogue must be based on mutual respect, not ultimatums.”
President Peshkerian’s administration has reportedly been working behind the scenes with Oman and other regional players to keep the diplomatic window open despite worsening relations with both Israel and the United States.
China’s Role: Not a Central Issue in Iran’s Decision
In the backdrop of these developments, questions have emerged about whether China — a key economic and strategic partner of Iran — is influencing Tehran’s nuclear policy. However, Iranian officials were quick to dismiss such assumptions.
Velayati clearly stated that China would not be an issue or obstacle in Iran’s decision-making regarding nuclear talks. “Iran’s policies are determined in Tehran, not Beijing. Our relationships with China, Russia, or any other country do not dictate our national interests,” he clarified.
Iran and China signed a 25-year cooperation agreement in 2021 aimed at bolstering trade, investment, and infrastructure development. While China has expressed support for a peaceful resolution to the nuclear dispute, there is no indication that it is pressuring Iran to abandon enrichment.
Regional Ramifications and Diplomatic Fallout
Oman’s Mediation Role in Jeopardy
The Sultanate of Oman, historically a neutral mediator in Gulf and Middle Eastern disputes, had been hosting the backchannel talks between Washington and Tehran. With the breakdown of the sixth round due to the June conflict, Oman’s role as mediator is under strain.
A senior Omani official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told international media that the country “remains committed to facilitating dialogue,” but warned that “continued military actions make such efforts increasingly difficult.”
Impact on the JCPOA Revival Prospects
The current impasse further dims prospects for reviving the JCPOA, once hailed as a landmark arms control agreement. Since the U.S. withdrawal in 2018, Iran has steadily scaled back its compliance with the agreement, enriching uranium beyond the 3.67% limit and increasing its stockpile far beyond agreed thresholds.
Efforts to return to the deal under President Biden saw modest progress in early 2024, but have stalled again due to escalating geopolitical tensions and Iran’s hardened position in response to Israeli military actions.
U.S. Response: Silence and Strategic Ambiguity
So far, the Biden administration has not officially responded to Iran’s categorical rejection of enrichment-related preconditions. Analysts suggest Washington may be deliberately maintaining strategic ambiguity to assess the fallout from Israel’s actions and determine the feasibility of continued diplomacy.
A senior State Department source, speaking anonymously to The New York Times, admitted that “while diplomacy remains an option, the window is narrowing — and fast.”
Conclusion: No Talks Without Respect for Sovereignty
Iran’s latest statement on uranium enrichment reaffirms its long-standing policy that diplomacy must be grounded in mutual respect and legal rights. By rejecting any negotiation conditioned on halting enrichment, Tehran is sending a clear message: it will not trade sovereignty for sanctions relief or political concessions.
As tensions simmer and international mediation falters, the prospect of renewed U.S.-Iran talks seems uncertain. Unless all parties recalibrate their approaches and de-escalate militarily, the path to peaceful resolution may remain blocked — with potentially grave consequences for regional and global security.
