Iran asserts interim deal 'off limits' in talks with US, no compromise on enrichment
Iran Press TV
Monday, 26 May 2025 10:54 AM
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei says an interim agreement has not been a part of the agenda in the ongoing indirect nuclear talks with the United States.
"An interim agreement has never been on our agenda, and for this reason, it has not been raised in this round of talks either," Baghaei said at his weekly press briefing on Monday, referring to the fifth round of Iran-US indirect negotiations held in the Italian capital of Rome on Friday.
Like the previous four rounds, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US envoy for West Asia affairs, Steve Witkoff, led their negotiating delegations in the fifth round of talks on Friday.
The talks are mediated by Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi.
Enrichment 'integral' part of Iran's nuclear industry
Baghaei once again reiterated the country's right to enrich uranium, saying no compromise is accepted in this regard.
"What is clear and probably needs no emphasis is that uranium enrichment, as an inseparable part of Iran's peaceful nuclear energy, must definitely be maintained, and we will make no slightest compromise in this regard," the Iranian spokesperson added.
He emphasized that Oman's proposals observe Iran's red lines.
Asked about Oman's proposals regarding the continuation of the talks, he said the time and venue of the next round of the negotiations have not been fixed yet.
Baghaei noted that consultations are underway between Iran and Oman, and that the Omani side would announce the time and place of the next round of the talks whenever it reaches a conclusion.
He said Oman, as a facilitator of this process, presents its views wherever it believes it can be helpful and coordinates with both sides.
Speaking to reporters at the end of the Rome talks, Araghchi hailed "one of the most professional" rounds of negotiations with the US, saying Tehran will continue to hold its ground and insist on its "completely clear" positions.
The top Iranian negotiator added that both sides agreed to transfer proposals and ideas exchanged during the talks to their capitals for more discussions.
Iran never sought to use nuclear energy for military purposes
In reaction to President Donald Trump's optimistic remarks regarding the US talks with Iran, Baghaei said the two countries can reach a deal if Washington aims to prevent militarization of Tehran's nuclear program.
"We have never sought to use nuclear energy for military purposes. However, if the [US] goal is to deprive Iran of its absolute right under the Non-Proliferation Treaty, we do not believe that this process will lead to a conclusion," the Iranian spokesman added.
He emphasized that nuclear energy is part of the rights and demands of the Iranian nation and the country's need to generate nuclear electricity.
Energy consortium 'not replacement' for enrichment in Iran
Baghaei also rejected a plan to establish a nuclear consortium in the region as a replacement for domestic enrichment, saying the countries in the region want to use peaceful nuclear energy to produce fuel.
"Therefore, Iran will support any process to involve regional states in enrichment and the production of the fuel needed for peaceful nuclear projects, but this initiative can in no way replace the uranium enrichment program inside Iran," he emphasized.
He also noted that Iran has informed its neighboring countries about all rounds of its indirect talks with the United States, as it believes that their cooperation can help advance the negotiations.
Iran ready for talks with Europe
The Iranian spokesman once again reiterated the country's readiness to continue dialogue with Europe, saying the sides need to make decisions about the time and place of the talks.
He added that many news reports are fabricated by sources affiliated with the Israeli regime with a clear goal of destroying the process of Iran-Europe or probably Iran-US negotiations.
Baghaei noted that Iran has proved over the recent weeks that it has never sought to waste time in the negotiations.
"It is clear to everyone that we have entered this process seriously, purposefully and with the intention of reaching a fair and just agreement based on realities and we have shown our seriousness in this process," he pointed out.
Baghaei also pointed to the failure of a ceasefire in Gaza, and said the Israeli regime has not adhered to its commitments for a truce in the past few months due to its nature, which seeks nothing but the annihilation of Palestine.
"It is shameful that a truck of food has not entered [Gaza] in the past months," he said, reminding the international community of its responsibility to take meaningful measures.
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