Iran Warns US Over Nuclear Talks as Doubts Grow on Trump Deal

By Amira El-Fekki‎

Iran has warned the U.S. that it will not give up its right to its enrich uranium, casting doubt on prospects for a deal as Tehran considers a U.S. proposal for curbing its nuclear program.

Newsweek has reached out to the U.S. State Department for comment.

Why It Matters

Iran's stance directly clashes with U.S. President Donald Trump's position that Iran must halt all enrichment amid negotiations marked by uncertainty, despite having reached their most significant step since they began in April with a U.S. offer being delivered to Tehran last week.

While Washington suggested a deal is within reach, talks may be stalling, increasing the risks for confrontation.

What To Know

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has ruled out the possibility of reaching a deal with the U.S. unless Iran's right to enrich uranium is formally recognized, according to the semi-official Tasnim news Agency.

"Iran won't leave the negotiating table while protecting its national interests," government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani said in a Tuesday press conference according to Tasnim. When asked about the possibility of failure of the nuclear talks with the U.S., she said, Mohajerani said Iran is prepared to deal with "all scenarios."

The United States has proposed a consortium—including regional states and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)—to oversee limited enrichment in Iran and possibly invest in its civilian nuclear program, according to CNN but a senior Iranian official told the publication that the latest U.S. proposal was "incoherent and disjointed."

In May, Trump said negotiations were "very close to a solution" and warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against preemptive strikes against Iran.

What People Are Saying

Iranian Government Spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani, as quoted by Tasnim News Agency: "All scenarios are on the table. We are prepared for everything. The administration has no doubt about implementing its plans.

U.S. President Donald Trump wrote on social media, according to The Associated Press: "Under our potential Agreement — WE WILL NOT ALLOW ANY ENRICHMENT OF URANIUM!"

Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei, according to Tasnim News Agency: "The proposal for a regional consortium for uranium enrichment is not a new idea... If some parties are proposing such a process, we welcome it and have no problem with participation either. But we emphasize that such an initiative cannot replace enrichment inside Iran."

What Happens Next

Oman, mediating between the two sides, has delivered to Iran a U.S. proposal which currently awaits an Iranian response. That could give an indication of whether a deal is still possible or whether the risk rises of a military confrontation.