Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated Saturday that Tehran will never surrender its nuclear rights, especially its right to enrich uranium, as indirect nuclear negotiations with the United States resume in Oman. Speaking in Doha, Araqchi warned that if the goal of the talks is to eliminate Iran’s nuclear capabilities, the Islamic Republic will not compromise.
“Iran will not back down from any of its rights,” Araqchi told state media. His comments come amid rising tensions as the U.S. continues to pressure Iran to dismantle its uranium enrichment program. President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, reiterated Friday that any deal with Iran must include the complete dismantling of its enrichment facilities.
Since Trump withdrew from the 2015 nuclear agreement between Iran and world powers, Iran has stepped up its nuclear activities. Western nations argue that Tehran’s program is a cover for developing nuclear weapons, while Iran insists it is focused solely on peaceful, civilian energy production.
Araqchi emphasized that Iran is negotiating in good faith, but will only agree to terms that respect its right to nuclear energy. “If the talks are aimed at preventing nuclear weapons, we can reach a deal. But if the goal is to deny us our rights, Iran will never retreat,” he said.
The high-stakes negotiations continue as the U.S. threatens military action if a new deal isn’t secured, raising concerns over further instability in the region.
This latest standoff highlights the enduring friction between Iran’s demand for sovereign nuclear rights and Washington’s push for tighter controls over Tehran’s nuclear infrastructure. The outcome of the upcoming Oman talks may determine whether diplomacy can prevail or tensions escalate further.