Iran refuses to suspend uranium enrichment amid nuclear deal talks with US

Tehran defends uranium enrichment as part of civilian program despite US pressure during high-stakes nuclear negotiations.

A mural depicting a mock Statue of Liberty with a broken torch-bearing arm is reflected on the outer walls of the former U.S. embassy, commonly known as the Spy Den, on April 19, 2025, in Tehran, Iran. Photo by Majid Saeedi/Getty Images

By Anna Fadiah and Clarisa Sendy

Iran has firmly rejected calls to suspend uranium enrichment, a key demand from the United States in the latest round of nuclear negotiations between the long-time adversaries. The decision, reaffirmed by Tehran on Monday, casts uncertainty over the future of ongoing talks aimed at reviving a broader agreement that would limit Iran’s nuclear capabilities in exchange for sanctions relief.

Iran refuses to suspend uranium enrichment — has emerged as the central point of contention in the high-level diplomatic exchanges that began in April. These negotiations mark the most significant contact between Washington and Tehran since the US unilaterally withdrew from the 2015 nuclear accord under then-President Donald Trump.

While Trump described the latest discussions held in Rome as "very, very good," Iran’s foreign minister painted a less optimistic picture, calling the process “complicated.” The opposing rhetoric underscores the fragile state of the talks, which remain stalled over fundamental disagreements — most notably Iran’s refusal to abandon its uranium enrichment program.

Iranian officials have repeatedly stated that their nuclear activities are aimed solely at civilian purposes, including energy production, and fall within the bounds of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), to which Iran is a signatory. Speaking during a press conference in Tehran on Monday, foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei dismissed reports suggesting Iran was considering halting enrichment.

“This information is a figment of the imagination and totally false,” Baqaei said. “Iran has no intention of suspending its enrichment program, which is a legal and sovereign right.”

The US, however, continues to view Iran’s enrichment activity with suspicion. According to US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, Washington is unwilling to accept any degree of enrichment by Iran. “We could not authorise even one percent,” Witkoff said, signaling an uncompromising stance that has long hindered diplomatic progress.

A history of distrust and broken agreements

The mistrust between the two nations dates back decades but has deepened in recent years. In 2018, the Trump administration abandoned the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), commonly known as the Iran nuclear deal, arguing it failed to curtail Iran’s missile program and regional influence. Since then, the US has reimposed harsh economic sanctions on Tehran, while Iran has steadily increased its nuclear activities beyond the limits set by the original agreement.

Iran is now enriching uranium to 60 percent purity — a level that far exceeds the JCPOA's 3.67 percent cap and brings it closer to weapons-grade material, which requires 90 percent enrichment. Although Tehran insists its program is peaceful, experts warn that uranium enriched beyond 20 percent can quickly be converted for use in nuclear weapons.

The current talks are being mediated by Oman, which has played a key role in facilitating backchannel diplomacy between Iran and the US. Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi commented on the progress, saying the fifth round of discussions concluded with “some but not conclusive progress.”

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who also leads Tehran’s negotiating team, acknowledged the complexity of the discussions. “The negotiations are too complicated to be resolved in two or three meetings,” he told reporters after the latest session in Rome.

Despite the diplomatic hurdles, US President Trump remains hopeful. “I think we could have some good news on the Iran front,” he said on Sunday. “An announcement could come over the next two days.”

However, Iran’s foreign ministry has stated that no date has been set for the next round of talks. The uncertainty adds to growing concerns about whether a breakthrough can be achieved before key international deadlines.

The diplomatic impasse comes ahead of several important dates. In June, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the United Nations' nuclear watchdog based in Vienna, is scheduled to review Iran’s nuclear activities. Additionally, October marks the expiration of key provisions of the 2015 agreement, including restrictions on missile development and arms imports.

These timelines add urgency to the negotiations. Western governments, including the United States and European Union member states, have expressed concerns that Iran’s continued enrichment activities could soon render the JCPOA framework obsolete.

Israel, Iran’s arch-rival in the region, has also weighed in, warning that Iran's actions could provoke a regional crisis. Israeli officials have not ruled out military options to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, though Tehran has consistently denied that it seeks such capabilities.

Economic sanctions and internal pressures

Sanctions imposed by the United States have severely impacted Iran’s economy, leading to inflation, currency devaluation, and widespread social discontent. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who is expected to visit Oman later this week, is facing internal pressure to secure relief through diplomacy.

Tehran wants a deal that lifts sanctions while preserving what it sees as its nuclear rights. But any compromise appears elusive as long as the enrichment issue remains unresolved.

Despite the odds, both sides appear committed to continuing dialogue. While public statements often reflect hardline positions, behind closed doors diplomats are believed to be exploring creative solutions, including phased enrichment caps or international oversight.

Whether or not a new nuclear deal is reached may ultimately depend on political will — both in Tehran and Washington. As Iran refuses to suspend uranium enrichment, the challenge lies in bridging the gap between national sovereignty and global security concerns.

The coming weeks could prove pivotal. A breakthrough might ease regional tensions and improve economic conditions for millions of Iranians. A failure, however, risks escalation and further isolation for Iran on the world stage.

Until then, Iran refuses to suspend uranium enrichment will continue to dominate headlines as a symbol of one of the most intractable diplomatic standoffs of the modern era.