"Keeping Our Own Keys" - Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei Firm on Uranium Enrichment Independence
Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei maintains that there is no American participation in uranium enrichment processes.
In a speech aired on state television, Iran's leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, made it clear that the United States has no say in Iran's uranium enrichment. Khamenei posed a question to the US, "Why are you sticking your nose in Iran's business of enriching or not enriching?" He further emphasized that Iran's self-determination means it doesn't need the approval of the US.
Khamenei dismissed the US proposal for resolving the nuclear disagreement between Washington and Tehran, as it conflicts with Iran's national interests. He declared, "The US proposal is a 100% no-go for us, trampling on our 'We can' revolution slogan." The slogan signifies the 1979 Islamic Revolution that marked Iran's independence.
Negotiations for a potential new nuclear deal between the US and Iran commenced in mid-April. The initial rounds ended without a breakthrough. Uranium enrichment remains a crucial aspect of these negotiations. On Saturday, the US transmitted a negotiating proposition to Tehran via Oman.
According to the Axios news portal's report, the US's recent proposal permits limited uranium enrichment at reduced levels on Iranian soil, contrary to President Donald Trump's earlier stance that prohibited any enrichment in a deal.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghtchi declared on Tuesday that Iran will not accept a nuclear accord barring it from enriching uranium for civilian purposes. Araghtchi asserted, "Enrichment on Iranian soil is our non-negotiable demand."
Sources: ntv.de, AFP
What's Behind the Standoff?
The US and Iran's stand on uranium enrichment in a potential nuclear deal is a complex dance of shifting positions and proposals.
US Stand
The US has consistently demanded that Iran should not enrich uranium and that dismantling Iran's nuclear facilities should be part of any deal. However, a clandestine proposal from the US permits limited low-level uranium enrichment on Iranian soil for an undetermined duration, contradicting public statements[3]. This new proposal implies a more flexible approach to reach a deal, despite risks of backlash from allies and lawmakers who oppose any enrichment[3].
Iranian Stand
Iran has consistently stated that it will not sign any deal restricting uranium enrichment for civilian purposes[3]. Recently, Iran proposed a nuclear consortium involving Saudi Arabia and the UAE, where Iran would enrich uranium in large quantities[2]. This suggests that Iran is open to international cooperation but is adamant about maintaining its enrichment capability.
The International Stage
Russia is leveraging its role as a mediator in US-Iran nuclear negotiations, advocating for Iran's right to enrich uranium, complicating the negotiations due to Russia's alignment with Iran[1]. Additionally, Iran is exploiting its membership in multilateral organizations like BRICS and the SCO to mitigate sanctions and advance economic interests[1].
In the dance of political negotiations, the United States is presenting a more flexible stance on uranium enrichment in a potential nuclear deal, allowing for limited enrichment on Iranian soil, a contradiction to their earlier position and public statements. Yet, Iran remains firm and adamant about its non-negotiable demand for uranium enrichment for civilian purposes, even proposing a nuclear consortium with Saudi Arabia and the UAE to demonstrate its commitment to international cooperation, while maintaining its enrichment capabilities. This complex standoff is further aggravated by international players like Russia, who advocate for Iran's right to enrich uranium, making the negotiations more challenging.
