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Iran Says Uranium Enrichment Non-Negotiable Despite US Threats

  • By Thetripurapost Desk, Teheran
  • Feb 09, 2026
  • 580

Iran has firmly rejected US pressure to curb its nuclear activities, declaring that it will not abandon uranium enrichment under any circumstances, even in the face of military threats or additional sanctions.
Speaking at a public gathering in Tehran on Sunday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran’s nuclear policy cannot be altered through intimidation and stressed that Tehran has no trust in Washington’s intentions. His remarks come as Iran and the United States have resumed indirect nuclear talks in Oman after a hiatus of several years.
While Iran is seeking the removal of stringent economic sanctions, the US is pushing for limits on Tehran’s nuclear programme. Araghchi made it clear that uranium enrichment is non-negotiable, describing it as a sovereign right that no external power can challenge, even through the threat of war.
Dismissing US military deployments in the region, including the presence of the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, Araghchi said such displays of force would not deter Iran. He questioned whether Washington genuinely seeks a diplomatic resolution, noting that trust remains difficult due to past US actions.
The Iranian foreign minister said Tehran would not accept any agreement that undermines its independence or dignity. However, he added that Iran could consider confidence-building steps if sanctions are lifted and mutual respect is ensured.
Western nations and Israel have long accused Iran of pursuing nuclear weapons, allegations Tehran strongly denies. Araghchi reiterated that Iran is not seeking a nuclear bomb, arguing that its true strength lies in resisting pressure from major powers.
The remarks come amid heightened US military activity in the region. US negotiator Steve Witkoff and President Donald Trump’s adviser Jared Kushner recently visited the USS Abraham Lincoln, with the Pentagon describing the deployment as part of Trump’s “strength for peace” strategy.
Iran and the US held nuclear talks in Oman on February 6, which Trump described as “very good,” while Iranian President Masoud Pazhakian called them “a step forward” for peace. However, Washington imposed fresh tariffs and sanctions shortly after the talks, targeting entities involved in Iranian oil exports.
Araghchi said such measures cast doubt on America’s seriousness and warned that Tehran would carefully assess these signals before deciding whether to continue negotiations.
The diplomatic standoff unfolds against the backdrop of domestic unrest in Iran. Since late December, protests over economic and political grievances have erupted across the country, leading to violent clashes. Iranian authorities say at least 3,117 people, including security personnel and civilians, have been killed.
Uranium enrichment refers to the process of increasing the concentration of the U-235 isotope found in natural uranium. Low-level enrichment is used for electricity generation, while uranium enriched to around 90 percent is considered weapons-grade.