WANA (May 27) – Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said in an interview with a foreign media outlet that “under no circumstances will Iran relinquish its right to uranium enrichment.”

 

The interview, focused on ongoing nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States, featured Baghaei responding to a range of questions regarding the progress of the talks and the prospects for reaching a deal.

 

Emphasis on Iran’s Right to Peaceful Nuclear Energy

In response to a question about the U.S. President’s optimism over the nuclear talks, Baghaei stated: “If the goal of the negotiations is to ensure the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program, I believe that can easily be achieved. But if the aim is to strip Iran of its right to peaceful nuclear energy, then the process will face serious obstacles.”

 

He added, “We have repeatedly declared that Iran’s nuclear program is peaceful, and Iran will not forgo its legitimate rights in this regard.”

 

Continued Talks Indicate Mutual Understanding

When asked about the level of mutual understanding between Iran and the U.S. negotiating team, the spokesman said: “The fact that talks have continued so far shows that there is a certain level of understanding. Iran will never abandon its right to enrichment and the peaceful use of nuclear energy.”

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and U.S. President’s special envoy Steve Witkoff. Social media/ WANA News Agency

Iran Ready to Reach an Agreement

Baghaei expressed cautious optimism about the possibility of compromise: “If there is a will, there is a way. There are multiple paths to reach an agreement. As far as we’re concerned, we are fully aware that our nuclear program is peaceful, and we are committed to ensuring it remains so.”

 

Responding to Military Threats

When asked about implied threats of military action by the United States or Israel should talks fail, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson responded: “Such threats are certainly not helpful. The Iranian people will never yield to pressure. Throughout history, we have repeatedly shown that we do not respond positively to coercion. The Islamic Republic of Iran will, with a unified voice, defend its national security against any threat.”

 

Backgrond

U.S. President Hails “Real Progress” in Talks

The U.S. President recently stated that American negotiators had “very good” discussions with the Iranian delegation on Friday. Speaking to reporters in New Jersey on Monday morning, he said, “I think we can have some good news on the Iran front.”

 

It is also reported that the President praised “real and serious progress” made during the fifth round of talks with Iran.

 

The fifth round of indirect talks between Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and U.S. President’s special envoy Steve Witkoff took place on Friday in Rome, Italy.

 

The first round of indirect negotiations between Iran and the U.S., hosted by Oman, was held in Muscat on Saturday, April 12, 2025. The second round followed in Rome on April 19. The third round resumed on April 26 in Oman, and the fourth round took place on Sunday, May 11, in Muscat.

 

Iran Rejects Temporary Agreement Proposal

Baghaei, yesterday in his Press conference, when asked about media speculation that Tehran and Washington might be pursuing a temporary agreement framework, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson said: “A temporary agreement has never been on our agenda, and accordingly, it has not been raised in this round of talks either.”

 

Iran Has Never Sought a Military Nuclear Program

In another statement on Monday, Baghaei addressed the U.S. President’s optimism: “If the American side’s goal is to prevent Iran’s nuclear program from becoming military, that has already been achieved — we have never pursued military uses for nuclear energy. If there is genuine goodwill behind that goal, then we, too, can express optimism about the negotiations.

 

However, if the objective is to deprive Iran of its rightful access to nuclear energy, we do not believe such a process will lead to results. This is a clear and firm demand of the Iranian people, rooted in our national need for nuclear-generated electricity and other peaceful applications of nuclear energy.”