WANA (May 28) – Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei rejected any speculation about potential flexibility on its uranium enrichment program, calling the issue a fundamental national right. He emphasized, “Continued enrichment is a non-negotiable and integral part of the Islamic Republic’s nuclear industry. Any proposal that contradicts this principle or compromises Iran’s rights will not be accepted.”

 

Baghaei made the remarks amid continued indirect negotiations between Iran and the United States, aimed at resolving outstanding nuclear and sanctions-related issues. While some Western media reports had suggested a possible softening in Tehran’s position, Iranian officials have made it clear that the enrichment issue remains off-limits for compromise.

 

He added that consultations are still ongoing regarding the timing and location of the next round of talks. “Once the details are finalized, Oman will officially announce them,” Baghaei said.

 

Reiterating Tehran’s focus, he stated: “As we have consistently said, the only topics under discussion between Iran and the United States are nuclear matters and the lifting of sanctions. No other issues are — or will be — on the table.”

 

Emphasizing Iran’s top priority of ending what he called “unjust sanctions,” Baghaei said that the Iranian negotiating team will spare no effort in seeking the removal of U.S. sanctions, which he described as “unquestionably illegal and in violation of the fundamental principles of international law and human rights.” “Iran will judge the seriousness of the U.S. based solely on its willingness to lift sanctions,” he declared.

 

Addressing rumors surrounding the possible scope of a future agreement, Baghaei dismissed them as “media speculation driven by various motives,” adding that none of the claims could be confirmed.

 

Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, speaking at the 13th International Meeting of High Representatives for Security Issues in Moscow, emphasized Iran’s right to enrich uranium for peaceful nuclear energy purposes as a key principle in the Iran-U.S. negotiations.

A man looks at a newspaper with a cover photo of U.S. President Donald Trump and U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, in Tehran, Iran, May 11, 2025. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

Lavrov expressed cautious optimism: “Judging by the statements made by both sides after the recent rounds, there is reason to hope that progress is being made and that matters are moving in the right direction.” However, he also noted that the situation surrounding Iran’s nuclear program remains complex.

 

The fifth round of indirect negotiations between Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff took place in Rome last Friday.

 

The diplomatic process began with the first round of indirect talks hosted by Oman in Muscat on April 12, 2025. Subsequent meetings followed in Rome (April 19), Muscat again (April 26), and most recently on May 11, also in Muscat.