Iran and US Nuclear Talks: Contrasting Statements on Enrichment Program

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said US negotiators have not asked Tehran to halt its nuclear enrichment programme, contradicting recent statements from American officials. “We have not offered any suspension, and the US side has not asked for zero enrichment,”AFPquoted Araghchi as saying in an interview on theMorning Joeshow published online Friday by US TV network MSNBC. He added that the next step in negotiations is for him to present a draft of a potential deal to Washington “in the next two, three days.” “The next step for me is to present draft of possible deal to my counterparts in the US. I believe that in the next two, three days, that would be ready, and after final confirmation by my superiors, that would be handed over to Steve Witkoff,” Araghchi added. His statements contrast sharply with remarks from senior US officials, including PresidentDonald Trump, who has repeatedly insisted that Iran must not be allowed to enrich uranium at any level. Araghchi’s comments follow the conclusion of a second round of Oman-mediated talks between Washington and Tehran on Tuesday in Geneva, Switzerland. The two sides first met on February 6 in Oman, marking their first discussions since last June’s 12-day Iran-Israel war, during which the US struck Iranian nuclear facilities. On Thursday, Trump warned that the US could strike Iran again if Tehran failed to reach a deal within 10 days — a deadline he later extended to 15. “Well, I have to say that first of all, there is no ultimatum. We only talk with each other how we can have a fast deal. And a fast deal is something that both sides are interested about,” Araghchi said. While Washington has consistently demanded zero enrichment, it has also sought to address Iran’s ballistic missile programme and its backing of regional militant groups—issues Israel has urged be included in the negotiations. Western nations accuse Iran of attempting to develop nuclear weapons. Tehran denies any military ambitions, emphasizing its right to pursue nuclear technology for civilian purposes. Under mounting pressure to reach an agreement, Trump has deployed a substantial naval presence to the region, which he has described as an “armada.” After sending the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and its escort ships to the Gulf in January, he later ordered the Gerald Ford carrier to join the deployment. Meanwhile, Iranian naval forces conducted military drills this week in the Gulf and near the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, signaling their own display of strength. With inputs from agencies India is closely monitoring the escalating Iran-US tensions and is in constant contact with Indian nationals in Tehran. The US has increased its military presence in the Middle East, with military options reportedly under consideration amid stalled nuclear talks. Diplomatic efforts between Iran and the US have made little progress, raising international concerns over the situation. Get the latest stories delivered straight to your inbox.