Iran rejects temporary enrichment freeze as nuclear talks with U.S. stall

Iran will not consider temporarily suspending its uranium enrichment activities as a means to secure a new nuclear deal with the United States, a foreign ministry spokesperson said Monday, signaling a firm stance as diplomatic efforts remain stalled.

The statement comes amid prolonged negotiations aimed at resolving the long-standing impasse over Tehran’s nuclear program.

While both sides have reiterated a willingness to return to the negotiating table, there has been little progress in narrowing the gap on key issues — particularly Iran’s enrichment of uranium, which the West fears could be used to develop nuclear weapons.

“We will not accept any interim or temporary suspension of enrichment as a precondition,” the Iranian spokesperson said during a weekly press briefing.

“Our position has been made clear: Iran’s peaceful nuclear activities, including enrichment, will continue in accordance with our rights under international law.”

The official added that no date has yet been agreed upon for a sixth round of indirect talks with Washington.

Previous rounds, mediated by European powers in cities like Vienna and Doha, have yielded limited breakthroughs, with both sides accusing the other of intransigence.

The Trump administration has insisted that Iran must roll back its nuclear activities — especially enrichment to near-weapons-grade levels — as part of any return to the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which the U.S. exited in 2018 under former President Donald Trump.

Iran, however, demands the full lifting of U.S. sanctions imposed since that withdrawal, including measures targeting its oil exports, banking sector, and Revolutionary Guard.

Diplomats involved in the process say the gap remains wide, and Monday’s comments further dampen hopes for a near-term resolution.

With tensions simmering across the Middle East and nuclear proliferation risks mounting, international observers warn that failure to revive the deal could lead to escalating regional instability.

“The window for diplomacy is narrowing,” said one European diplomat familiar with the talks.

“Each side appears to be digging in deeper, and without flexibility, a diplomatic solution will become increasingly difficult to achieve.”

The next steps remain uncertain, but both Tehran and Washington have signaled that backchannel communications remain open. However, with domestic political pressures mounting on both sides, the path to compromise appears increasingly fraught.