Iran Says Uranium Enrichment ‘Non-Negotiable’

Iran has signaled a conditional willingness to return to the negotiating table with the United States, but made it clear that halting uranium enrichment is not up for discussion. 

The remarks come from Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi, who spoke to Iranian media on Friday in the wake of heightened tensions following a recent U.S. military strike on Iranian nuclear facilities.

Speaking to reporters in Tehran, Ravanchi condemned what he described as a “blatant attack” by the United States on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure last month. “The United States caused severe damage to our peaceful nuclear program through its unprovoked assault,” he said. “However, as long as Washington refrains from further acts of aggression, we do not intend to retaliate militarily at this time.”

Despite his harsh criticism, Ravanchi struck a cautious note of openness. “We do not trust the Americans, especially after they launched attacks during what were supposed to be negotiations,” he noted. “But Iran remains open to renewed dialogue—if, and only if, the U.S. government can provide credible assurances that it will not resort to military force while talks are ongoing.”

He emphasized that such guarantees are essential for Iranian leadership to consider re-engaging in serious diplomatic efforts. “For our leadership to authorize a new round of negotiations, confidence in the peaceful intent of the other side is non-negotiable,” Ravanchi said. “Diplomacy and dialogue are our preferred path, but not at the cost of national sovereignty or security.”

Addressing Iran’s nuclear policy, Ravanchi stated unequivocally that Tehran has not altered its position on uranium enrichment. “Under the Non-Proliferation Treaty, Iran has the full right to enrich uranium on its own soil,” he said. “The only limitation is that this program must remain peaceful and non-militarized.”

While reiterating that Iran’s nuclear ambitions are civilian in nature, Ravanchi did express readiness for transparency and engagement. “We are prepared to discuss the scope, level, and capacity of our enrichment program with international partners,” he said. “But abandoning enrichment is not an option.”

His comments reflect a nuanced position: a mix of steadfast defiance regarding Iran’s sovereign nuclear rights, paired with a pragmatic acknowledgment that diplomacy remains the only viable long-term solution to the ongoing standoff with the West.

The international community will be watching closely to see whether this rhetorical opening from Tehran leads to any tangible diplomatic movement—or if the deadlock will persist amid lingering mistrust and the specter of further escalation.