Iran has rejected stress from Washington to desert its uranium enrichment program even within the face of army threats and contemporary sanctions. Talking at a public discussion board in Tehran on Sunday, Iranian International Minister Abbas Araghchi stated Tehran wouldn’t be intimidated into altering its nuclear coverage and expressed deep scepticism about the USA’ intentions in ongoing negotiations.
Araghchi’s remarks got here amid the backdrop of Iran and the US resuming talks in Oman for the primary time in years, following an escalation within the Center East that pulled Washington into army motion towards Tehran with Israel.
Tehran is hoping for reduction from sweeping financial sanctions which have broken its economic system, whereas Washington desires limits on Iran’s nuclear programme.
IRAN REJECTS PRESSURE ON ENRICHMENT
Addressing an viewers attended by worldwide media, Araghchi made clear that uranium enrichment remains to be a non-negotiable subject for Tehran.
“Why can we insist a lot on enrichment and refuse to provide it up, even when a battle is imposed on us? As a result of nobody has the precise to dictate our behaviour,” he stated.
He dismissed US army deployments within the area as ineffective stress techniques, referring to the presence of the plane provider USS Abraham Lincoln in close by waters.
“Their army deployment within the area doesn’t scare us,” Araghchi informed the discussion board.
Iran, he stated, had little belief in Washington and questioned whether or not the US facet was genuinely dedicated to diplomacy. He added that Tehran wouldn’t conform to any deal that undermined its independence or nationwide dignity.
TALKS RESUME AMID FRESH THREATS
Araghchi stated Iran was ready to contemplate “a collection of confidence-building measures” in alternate for sanctions reduction however warned that progress trusted mutual respect.
Western governments and Israel have lengthy accused Iran of in search of to develop nuclear weapons. Tehran has repeatedly denied the declare, insisting its programme is for peaceable functions.
“They concern our atomic bomb, whereas we’re not searching for one,” Araghchi stated. “Our atomic bomb is the ability to say ‘no’ to the nice powers.”
US SHOWS MILITARY MUSCLE
Tensions remained excessive over the weekend after US officers visited the plane provider deployed within the area. Lead negotiator Steve Witkoff and senior adviser Jared Kushner toured the vessel, underlining Washington’s army presence.
The US army’s United States Central Command confirmed the operation, whereas Witkoff stated the provider group was “preserving us secure” and supporting President Donald Trump’s coverage of “peace by way of energy”.
Regardless of the present of power, Trump described the talks as “superb”, whereas Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated the discussions marked “a step ahead”.
Nonetheless, quickly after the talks, Trump signed an government order calling for brand spanking new tariffs on nations that proceed doing enterprise with Iran. Washington additionally imposed further sanctions on delivery corporations and vessels linked to Iranian oil exports.
DOUBTS OVER US COMMITMENT
Araghchi questioned whether or not Washington was severe about reaching an settlement, pointing to continued sanctions and army exercise.
“The continuation of sure sanctions and army actions increase doubts in regards to the seriousness and readiness of the opposite facet,” he stated.
He added that Iran was carefully monitoring developments and would determine whether or not to proceed negotiations based mostly on US behaviour.
“We’re assessing all of the indicators,” he stated. “We’ll determine on the continuation of the talks.”
DEADLY PROTESTS IN IRAN
The talks are going down towards the backdrop of home unrest in Iran and a significant US army buildup within the area. Protests that erupted in late December over financial hardship and political complaints have led to widespread violence.
Iranian authorities say at the least 3,117 individuals have been killed through the unrest, most of them safety personnel and bystanders. An inventory of practically 3,000 names was launched on Sunday.
Nonetheless, the US-based Human Rights Activists Information Company has reported far larger figures, claiming practically 7,000 deaths, largely amongst protesters, with hundreds extra instances beneath investigation. It has additionally recorded greater than 51,000 arrests.
– Ends
With inputs from businesses
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