Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi speaks at the Tehran Dialogue Forum © – / IRANIAN PRESIDENCY/AFP
| Published May 19, 2025
Tehran (AFP) – Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Sunday his country would keep enriching uranium “with or without a deal” with world powers, despite ongoing negotiations over its nuclear programme.
In a significant escalation of nuclear diplomacy, Iran has declared its unwavering commitment to uranium enrichment, regardless of the outcome of ongoing negotiations with the United States. This firm stance underscores Tehran’s assertion of its sovereign rights and sets the stage for a potential impasse in talks aimed at reviving the 2015 nuclear agreement.
Iran’s Unyielding Position
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized that uranium enrichment is a “non-negotiable national achievement.” He stated, “Enrichment in Iran, however, will continue with or without a deal,” highlighting the nation’s determination to maintain its nuclear program as a symbol of technological progress and national pride.
Currently, Iran enriches uranium to 60%, significantly exceeding the 3.67% limit established by the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), yet still below the 90% threshold required for weaponization. This advancement has raised international concerns about Iran’s potential to develop nuclear weapons capabilities.
The United States, under the Trump administration, has reiterated its demand for Iran to cease all uranium enrichment activities. U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff labeled enrichment a “red line,” asserting that any new agreement must prohibit such activities to prevent the possibility of Iran developing nuclear weapons.
In response, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takhtravanchi warned that negotiations would “lead nowhere” if the U.S. insists on zero enrichment. He emphasized that enrichment is a “national achievement” that Iran will not abandon, reflecting the deep-seated mistrust and divergent objectives between the two nations.
In an effort to alleviate international concerns and promote regional cooperation, Iran has proposed forming a uranium enrichment consortium with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. This initiative aims to enhance transparency and demonstrate the peaceful intent of Iran’s nuclear program. However, the proposal faces skepticism, particularly from the U.S., which remains wary of Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Outlook
As both nations prepare for a fifth round of negotiations in Rome, the stark differences in their positions present significant challenges. Iran’s steadfast commitment to enrichment and the U.S.’s insistence on its cessation create a diplomatic stalemate. The outcome of these talks will have profound implications for regional stability and the future of non-proliferation efforts.
The international community watches closely as Iran and the U.S. navigate this complex landscape, with the hope that dialogue and diplomacy will prevail over confrontation.
Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei verbally attacked President Donald Trump in front of a crowd chanting “death to America” in recent comments; Khamenei accused Trump of “lying.”
Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei: Trump Is Lying and His Statements Are Not Worth a Response; Israel Will Be Dismantled; Crowd Chants “Death to America” Multiple Times pic.twitter.com/STqgNBsSP5
— MEMRI (@MEMRIReports) May 18, 2025
Implications of Iran’s Stance on Uranium Enrichment
Iran’s unwavering commitment to continue uranium enrichment, regardless of any deal with the United States, carries significant geopolitical, security, and economic implications:
1. Increased Regional Tensions
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Middle Eastern neighbors, including Saudi Arabia and Israel, may view Iran’s stance as a direct security threat, potentially leading to heightened regional hostilities.
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Countries like Israel may increase military readiness, while Gulf states may seek stronger defense partnerships with Western allies.
2. Diplomatic Stalemate
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The ongoing nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States are likely to face prolonged deadlock.
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Diplomatic efforts by European and Asian powers to mediate may be further complicated by the starkly opposing positions of the U.S. (zero enrichment) and Iran (unrestricted enrichment).
3. Risk of Nuclear Proliferation
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Iran’s pursuit of uranium enrichment beyond JCPOA limits raises concerns over nuclear weapons capability.
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This could trigger a nuclear arms race in the region, as other countries might pursue their nuclear programs for deterrence.
4. Sanctions and Economic Consequences
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The U.S. and its allies may impose new economic sanctions on Iran, further crippling its economy.
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Global energy markets could experience volatility due to concerns over regional stability, potentially affecting oil prices.
5. Impact on Global Non-Proliferation Efforts
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The failure to reach a new nuclear agreement may weaken international confidence in diplomatic solutions for nuclear non-proliferation.
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Other nations may interpret the situation as a precedent to bypass international agreements without facing severe consequences.
Overall Takeaway:
Iran’s firm stance on continuing uranium enrichment, deal or no deal, reveals its determination to assert nuclear sovereignty while challenging U.S. diplomatic leverage. This development not only deepens the diplomatic rift between Washington and Tehran but also raises concerns over regional security, global non-proliferation, and economic stability. As both sides remain entrenched in their positions, the possibility of a peaceful resolution seems increasingly uncertain, with the stakes higher than ever.
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