Principle of Enrichment in Iran Non-Negotiable: Iran's Araqchi
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stressed on Wednesday Tehran will by no means negotiate over the principle of uranium enrichment, although it is ready to allay the possible concerns.
Asked about the comments on Iran's right to uranium enrichment amid the nuclear talks with the US, Araqchi said: 'Enrichment in Iran is an actual and real fact. We are prepared to build trust about the possible concerns, but the principle of enrichment is non-negotiable.'
He also reminded the US that nothing would be gained under pressures, while negotiations coupled with respect could make progress, Iranian media reported.
Deploring the contradictory American stances which are not helpful for the process of talks, Araqchi said if the US adopts constructive stances, there will be hopes that negotiations will begin on the framework of a tentative agreement.
Araqchi on Witkoff's contradictory positions: If the Americans present constructive positions in the negotiations, I hope we can start negotiating the framework of a possible agreement. However, if America's positions continue to be contradictory, we will run into problems. #Iran pic.twitter.com/e4Pfz6zFnk
— IranView24 (@IranView24) April 16, 2025
The top Iranian diplomat also noted that he is going to travel to Russia to relay a written message from Leader of the Islamic Revolution Imam Sayyed Ali Khamenei to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
FM @araghchi: The purpose of the trip to Russia is to deliver a written message from the Leader of Islamic Revolution to President Putin. pic.twitter.com/YrXqAMf0uU
— Tehran Times (@TehranTimes79) April 16, 2025
Delegations from Iran and the US held a round of indirect talks in Muscat on April 12, mediated by the foreign minister of Oman.
The two sides, led by Araqchi and the US president's special envoy Steve Witkoff, have expressed satisfaction with the initial steps. The next round of negotiations is scheduled for April 19.
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