Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi offered a critical initial response to a recent U.S. proposal to resolve the standoff over Iran’s nuclear program, according to the country’s semi-official Mehr News Agency.
Newsweek has reached out to the U.S. State Department for comment.
Why It Matters
The remarks are the first time Tehran has commented on the content of the recent U.S. proposal, which has not made public and came after five rounds of nuclear talks over the past two months.
Iran’s stance falls short of President Donald Trump‘s recent announcement about the possibility of reaching a nuclear agreement in the near future. Trump has threatened possible military action if no deal can be reached.
What To Know
Araghchi said the U.S. proposal handed to Tehran by the Omani foreign minister “contains many ambiguities and questions. Many issues in this proposal are unclear,” he was quoted as saying by Mehr News Agency, while on a visit to Lebanon.
The two nations have been at odds over nuclear enrichment – which could be used to build nuclear weapons, but which Iran says is purely for peaceful purposes. The United States has opposed all enrichment and Iran has defended its right to it.
According to an Axios report citing two sources with direct knowledge of the matter, the U.S. proposal may have a presented a more flexible approach than the U.S. zero nuclear enrichment policy—allowing it for a determined period of time but banning Iran from building new enrichment facilities.
Trump has said Iran can never obtain a nuclear bomb. The proposal sent by Middle East Special Envoy Steve Witkoff was described as a “detailed and acceptable proposal to the Iranian regime,” by White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt, who added that “it’s in their best interest to accept it.”
What People Are Saying
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said: “Continuing enrichment on Iranian soil is our red line. This is a reality that all countries have accepted. Enrichment has now become a matter of national pride and honor for Iranians.”
U.S. State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce said in a Tuesday press briefing: “The fact is President Trump tweeted that there is going to be no uranium enrichment.”
What Happens Next
Araghchi, who leads the Iranian negotiation team in nuclear meetings with the U.S., said Iran will officially respond to the deal proposal in coming days. It is unclear if talks will resume.
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