Iran Stands Firm on Uranium Enrichment, Deputy FM Confirms to NBC News
Iran has expressed willingness to engage in diplomatic negotiations with the United States; however, it maintains its stance on continuing uranium enrichment activities, according to official sources.
A senior government official announced on Thursday that Iran remains open to engaging in negotiations with the United States, although it currently has no intentions to halt its uranium enrichment activities.
In an interview with NBC News conducted in Tehran, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi described the U.S. strikes on Iran as a blatant act of aggression.
He emphasized that there would be no retaliatory measures taken as long as the United States refrains from engaging in any acts of aggression.
Takht-Ravanchi posed a question, expressing skepticism about the trustworthiness of the United States in the aftermath of recent attacks that have occurred amid ongoing negotiations. He demanded an explanation, questioning why they were misled and why such a severe action was taken against their people.
He indicated that the country would be willing to engage in new discussions if these conditions are met.
“We advocate for diplomacy and dialogue,” he asserted. However, he emphasized that the U.S. government must “assure us they will not employ military force during negotiations.” He noted, “This assurance is crucial for our leadership to make decisions regarding the upcoming round of talks.”
When questioned about the continuation of uranium enrichment, Takht-Ravanchi stated, “Our policy remains unchanged regarding enrichment.”
He stated that according to the 1970 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), Iran is entitled to conduct uranium enrichment on its own soil.
“The primary consideration is to avoid any steps towards militarization.”
Iran has expressed its willingness to engage in discussions with other nations concerning the scope, level, and capacity of its nuclear enrichment program.
The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, has indicated that Iran’s stockpile of 880 pounds of highly-enriched uranium might have been relocated prior to recent attacks. Meanwhile, Takht-Ravanchi chose not to provide any remarks on the matter.
“I am unaware of the whereabouts of those materials and will leave it at that,” he stated.
