Iran is ready to accept some restrictions on its nuclear program in exchange for the lifting of sanctions, but considers a complete halt to uranium enrichment “non-negotiable,” a senior Iranian diplomat said.
“Iran can be flexible on enrichment capacity and limits, but it cannot agree to halt enrichment under any circumstances because that is essential and we must rely on ourselves, not on empty promises,” said Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Majid Taht-Ravanchi.
On the possibility of resuming Iran-US nuclear talks, the official said:
“Iran is ready for talks with the United States, but the United States should first make it clear whether it is interested in a win-win dialogue or in imposing its will.”
Two days before the sixth round of indirect nuclear talks between Iran and the United States, on June 16, Israel launched major airstrikes on several regions in Iran, including nuclear and military sites, killing senior commanders, nuclear scientists and numerous civilians. Iran responded with multiple waves of missile and drone attacks on Israel.
On June 22, US forces bombed three Iranian nuclear facilities at Natanz, Fordow and Isfahan. In retaliation, Iran attacked the US-run Al Udeid air base in Qatar.
After a 12-day war, a ceasefire between Iran and Israel was reached on June 24.
In recent days, Washington has repeatedly demanded that Iran completely halt its uranium enrichment, a demand that Tehran has steadfastly rejected.
