Iran’s Foreign Ministry has denied a report claiming that Tehran is willing to temporarily freeze its uranium enrichment program.
On Wednesday, Reuters published a report stating that Tehran was prepared to pause its uranium enrichment for one year and would either ship part of its highly enriched uranium stock abroad or convert it into fuel plates for civilian nuclear purposes. In return, Iran would receive access to frozen funds abroad and a guarantee of its right to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes.
Reuters, citing sources allegedly close to Iran’s negotiating team, suggested that a “political understanding” could soon be reached.
Following the report, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei denied the claims. Speaking with the Tehran Times, Baqaei stated, “Enrichment is an integral part of our peaceful nuclear program, which stems from our inalienable right under the NPT and is also enshrined in UNSC Resolution 2231.”
Wednesday’s claims and the subsequent denial mark the second time this week that Iran has rejected reports of its willingness to temporarily halt uranium enrichment.
On Monday, Western media also reported that Tehran was open to a temporary pause in enrichment in return for a future agreement. That report, too, was denied by Baqaei.
Iran’s uranium enrichment program remains a major point of contention in the indirect negotiations taking place with Washington since early April.
The Trump administration has consistently maintained that Tehran must completely dismantle its enrichment program. Tehran, however, has firmly insisted it will not give up enrichment under any circumstances.
Iran has said that while its enrichment program is non-negotiable, it is willing to discuss the level to which uranium is enriched. Officials have previously said they would be open to reducing enrichment back to 3.67%, the level required for civilian nuclear purposes.
Despite the apparent deadlock, negotiations are continuing, which analysts say signals that Washington remains hesitant about pursuing military options against Iran.
On Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump stated he had warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to attack Iran, when asked about recent reports of Israel planning such actions.