Right to nuclear enrichment ‘non-negotiable’, says Iran

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said Tehran’s right to enrich uranium is ‘non-negotiable’, ahead of talks with the US.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, centre, signs a copy of his book The Power of Negotiation at the Muscat International Book Fair in April. Picture: AFP

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Sunday said Tehran’s right to enrich uranium was “non-negotiable”, ahead of talks with the US.

“Enrichment capability is one of the honours and achievements of the Iranian nation,” said Araghchi in a video before departing to Muscat to attend the fourth round of talks with the US, adding that it was “non-negotiable”.

Iran and the US are set to attend a fourth round of talks over Tehran’s nuclear program, as US officials have voiced in­creasing opposition to Iranian enrichment.

The negotiations, mediated by Oman and held in its capital, Muscat, follow earlier rounds that began nearly a month ago, marking the highest-level contact between the two foes since Washington withdrew from a landmark nuclear deal in 2018, during President Donald Trump’s first term.

Both sides have reported progress after previous talks, but there have been some delays and dis­agreements over Iran’s right to enrich uranium, which Tehran says is “non-negotiable” but a US envoy has called a “red line”.

Mr Araghchi said ahead of the meeting: “The negotiations are progressing and, naturally, the further we go, the more consultations and considerations we need” and the more time is required “to review the issues raised”.

The fourth round was initially set to take place on May 3 but has been rescheduled. Mediator Oman cited “logistical reasons” for the delay, which was announced after the US had imposed new sanctions on Iran, which currently enriches uranium to 60 per cent purity – far above the 3.67-per cent limit set in a deal with the US.

AFP