Iran rejects calls to halt uranium enrichment or hand over stockpile

Iran has defied US calls to cease uranium enrichment and surrender its enriched materials. Despite ongoing indirect communications between the two nations mediated by intermediaries, Iran remains steadfast in its refusal to scale back its nuclear activities. Mohammad Eslami, the chief of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization, affirmed on Thursday that enrichment is an essential component of the nuclear process and a cornerstone for scientific and technological advancement in Iran. He emphasized that the nation will not abandon its right to engage in enrichment.

Eslami pointed out that the US has not introduced fresh threats against Iran's nuclear sites, asserting that the nuclear program pressure indicates those advocating such stances have reached an impasse. In discussions about negotiations, Eslami noted that the issue of enrichment has resurfaced, with demands to place it on the negotiation table, but Iran will not acquiesce.

He also highlighted that the United States emphasizes nuclear technology in its development, security, and defense documents, echoing the competition among numerous countries in this domain. Iranian media quoted him as reiterating Iran's commitment to not relinquishing its enriched uranium. Meanwhile, US Vice President J.D. Vance stated in an interview on Tuesday that meaningful progress in negotiations necessitates Iran taking concrete steps concerning its enrichment capabilities.

Vance questioned the necessity of Iran maintaining 60% enriched fuel if it claims not to pursue nuclear weapons, arguing that suspending the production of such fuel would demonstrate its dedication.