Iran refuses to abandon uranium enrichment as US deal nears

Iran has reaffirmed its right to enrich uranium and maintain control over the Strait of Hormuz as negotiations with the United States move closer to a potential agreement, despite claims from President Donald Trump that a draft deal is ready for signing, reports Al-Monitor via AFP on June 12th.

According to Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency, Tehran will insist on retaining both its uranium enrichment programme and its existing stockpile of enriched material during upcoming negotiations. The agency said these provisions would form a central part of any final agreement with Washington.

The announcement comes after weeks of indirect talks aimed at ending the conflict that erupted following US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28th. Although a ceasefire took effect in April, periodic outbreaks of violence have continued to raise concerns about a return to wider fighting.

Trump said on June 11th that a draft agreement had been approved by senior Iranian leaders and that preparations for a formal signing were underway. He added that planned US military strikes against Iran had been cancelled as negotiations progressed.

Iranian media reports suggest the proposed agreement would establish 60 days of talks focused on Tehran’s nuclear programme. The draft reportedly includes the release of $24 billion in frozen Iranian assets, the suspension of sanctions on Iranian oil and petrochemical exports, and the lifting of a US naval blockade on Iranian ports.

Tehran is also demanding compensation for damage caused during the conflict. Reports indicate Iran is seeking reparations and reconstruction assistance worth at least $300 billion before final negotiations can begin.

Another major sticking point remains the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy shipping routes. Iran has maintained restrictions on maritime traffic since the outbreak of the war and insists it will continue regulating passage through the waterway.

Meanwhile, Israel has voiced concerns over the emerging deal. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said Trump had assured Israel that any agreement would require Iran to give up its enriched nuclear material and dismantle its missile infrastructure. Netanyahu reiterated that Iran would not be permitted to develop nuclear weapons.

The conflicting positions highlight the challenges that remain before a final agreement can be reached.

Al-Monitor via AFP, Maghrebi.org