Iran: We will not stop uranium enrichment even if it means war – details of the Muscat talks
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi reaffirmed his country's firm stance on its nuclear program, declaring that Tehran would not relinquish its right to uranium enrichment under any circumstances, even if it meant facing war. These fiery remarks came on Sunday, following a round of sensitive talks with the United States hosted by the Omani capital, Muscat.
At a forum held in Tehran, Araqchi emphasized that the Islamic Republic had paid a heavy price to maintain its peaceful nuclear program and enrichment capabilities, noting that this issue represents a matter of national sovereignty that cannot be compromised. The Iranian minister stated unequivocally: "Why do we insist so strongly on uranium enrichment and refuse to abandon it even if war is imposed upon us? Because no one has the right to dictate our actions," in a clear reference to rejecting Western dictates.
Behind the scenes of the Muscat talks
These statements come just two days after Araqchi met with US envoy Steve Wittkopf in Muscat last Friday. These meetings are part of ongoing diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region and attempt to revive the nuclear negotiations. Despite the strong public statements, Araqchi revealed in an interview with Al Jazeera, excerpts of which he posted on his Telegram channel, that both sides agreed on the need to hold another round of talks soon, although no specific date has yet been set for the second round.
Historical context and nuclear complexities
To understand the depth of this statement, one must consider the historical background of the Iranian nuclear program. Since the United States unilaterally withdrew from the nuclear agreement (the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action) in 2018, Tehran has gradually reduced its nuclear commitments and increased uranium enrichment levels to near-military-grade levels, raising concerns within the international community. Iran maintains that enrichment is its inherent right under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, while Western powers seek to ensure that this program does not divert to military purposes.
Strategic importance and impact of the event
These developments are of paramount importance both regionally and internationally. On the one hand, Tehran's insistence on enrichment reflects its desire to strengthen its leverage at the negotiating table to lift crippling economic sanctions. On the other hand, these stances raise concerns among neighboring countries and world powers about a potential nuclear arms race in the already volatile Middle East.
The continuation of communication channels in Muscat, in parallel with the hardline statements, indicates a "brinkmanship" strategy practiced by both sides; Tehran seeks to prove its resilience against military threats, while Washington tries to contain the situation diplomatically to prevent the region from sliding into an open confrontation that could have disastrous repercussions for energy security and the global economy.
