US has 'no choice' but to accept enrichment, says Iranian MP

Javan newspaper, affiliated with Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, criticized remarks by US lead negotiator Steven Witkoff calling for an end to enrichment and the dismantling of centrifuges in Iran.

“This is no longer called negotiation, it’s a stick,” the paper wrote. It added that Witkoff’s stance has brought the fourth round of talks to a point where questions about the path ahead—and whether the process can continue at all—must now be answered.

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Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran has submitted a proposal to ensure its nuclear program remains peaceful.

"We understand they have different audiences and may need to respond to various pressures. There are actors pushing for conflict—we understand this, but it is their problem."
“We hope the other side comes with a clear negotiating logic,” he said, adding that talks should remain at the table, not in the press.

He added that if demands exceed assurances against nuclear weapons, the talks could stall.

Iran will not dismantle its nuclear program or halt uranium enrichment, Former Ambassador to Oman Hossein Noushabadi said ahead of the fourth round of talks with the United States in Muscat.

“The position of the Islamic Republic has always been firm and serious,” he said. “We have repeatedly stated that we see negotiations as the only path to greater transparency in our nuclear program, but we are by no means willing to shut down enrichment.”

“We do not accept the media remarks of certain US officials who demand a halt to enrichment and the dismantling of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. This is one of our red lines.”

Iran’s delegation participating in the fourth round of talks with the United States in Muscat will act “in accordance with directives and frameworks issued by the country’s decision-making hierarchy” and “spare no effort” to protect the interests of the Iranian people, said Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei on Sunday.

“The team is committed to preserving Iran’s valuable achievements in peaceful nuclear energy while pursuing the removal of unjust economic sanctions,” he added.

The talks, facilitated by Oman’s foreign minister, are set to begin around noon.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the United States’ positions remain a major obstacle in nuclear negotiations, as he prepared to join a new round of talks in Muscat.

“The Americans have contradictory positions in the negotiations, and this is one of the serious problems in the talks,” Araghchi said. “If there are concerns, we are ready to build trust. We are prepared to take steps that would generate greater confidence.”

He ruled out any compromise on uranium enrichment, saying, “The blood of our nuclear scientists has been shed for enrichment. This right is not negotiable.”

Araghchi confirmed he was departing for the Muscat talks after consultations in Tehran and a regional visit that included stops in Saudi Arabia and Qatar. “We hope this round will reach a decisive point,” he said.

“Our positions are entirely clear, and Iran’s nuclear program is based on a strong legal foundation,” Araghchi added. “All its aspects are peaceful and have always been, and will continue to be, under the supervision of the IAEA.”

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