Iran says Trump’s zero-enrichment fantasies “will lead nowhere”

As the U.S. holds steadfast to its zero-enrichment policy in the nuclear talks with Iran, the latter has pushed back, warning it “will not back down” from its right to uranium enrichment for peaceful purposes. As the window of opportunity for a deal narrows, Trump’s red line might make or break negotiations.

U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff reiterated on May 18 that any deal with Iran must prohibit uranium enrichment entirely, reports the New Arab plus agencies.

Iran, however, insists that it will not stop enriching uranium altogether and that it has the right to enrichment for civilian purposes under the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty. Its Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, said: “Enrichment is an issue that Iran will not give up, and there is no room for compromise on it.”

Iranian media quoted Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takhtravanchi on May 19 saying the talks with the U.S. “will lead nowhere” if Washington insists that Tehran drop its uranium enrichment activity to zero.

Having at least 3.67% enrichment, well within the bounds for peaceful use, seems non-negotiable for Iranian officials.

For Iran, the contention is a matter of national pride. Araghchi recently called enrichment capability “one of the achievements and honours of the Iranian nation,” calling for a more “honorable agreement.” The country’s nuclear program also commemorates “the blood of our nuclear scientists,” who were assassinated by Israel over the years.

“Our position on enrichment is clear and we have repeatedly stated that it is a national achievement from which we will not back down,” Takhtravanchi said.

Tensions have also risen after Trump’s comments to reporters aboard Air Force One after his visit to the U.A.E, where he said Iran needed to move quickly or “something bad’s going to happen.” The perceived threats sparked indignation from Iran’s leadership, who maintained that they would not “back down” or “bow to bullying.”

On May 8, 2018, during his first term as president, Trump withdrew the United States from the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), unraveling the signature foreign policy achievement of his predecessor, Barack Obama.

The deal placed strict limits on Tehran’s enrichment activities in exchange for relief from international sanctions. Branding the deal as one-sided, Trump withdrew, reimposing sweeping U.S. sanctions on the Islamic Republic and battering Iran’s economy.

Now, in his second term, he is attempting to revise the Obama deal, favoring a more hardline approach. On May 14, over 200 congressional Republicans backed him in a letter, urging him to stand firm with Iran.

Meanwhile, on May 18, Araghchi posted on X: “If the US is interested in ensuring that Iran will not have nuclear weapons, a deal is within reach…Enrichment in Iran, however, will continue with or without a deal.”

The New Arab/ Agencies/ Maghrebi