Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi delivered a blunt and uncompromising message outlining Tehran’s position on nuclear negotiations, making clear that Iran will not retreat from what it considers core elements of its sovereignty. In remarks released today, Araghchi declared that uranium enrichment is entirely nonnegotiable and will not be abandoned under any circumstances, including the threat of war.

Araghchi framed enrichment as a fundamental right of the Iranian state, warning that backing down under pressure would amount to surrender. He stressed that Iran’s leadership does not believe concessions would lead to de-escalation, citing continued U.S. sanctions and military activity in the region as evidence that Washington’s intentions remain suspect. While he acknowledged that Oman could host another round of talks, he emphasized that negotiations would only proceed if they were viable and respectful of Iran’s stated red lines.

The foreign minister also categorically ruled out any discussion of Iran’s ballistic missile program, stating that missiles are permanently off the table. According to Araghchi, Iran will not allow its defensive capabilities to be linked to nuclear diplomacy, closing off an avenue that Western negotiators have long sought to include in broader agreements.

In a further narrowing of acceptable diplomatic conditions, Araghchi rejected the involvement of the U.S. Central Command, calling the participation of its commander in any talks unacceptable. This position reinforces Iran’s insistence that negotiations, if they occur, be limited strictly to nuclear verification issues and not entangled with U.S. military structures or regional security frameworks.

Araghchi concluded by signaling that Iran is preparing for all possible outcomes. He stated that Tehran remains open to diplomacy but is simultaneously operating under the assumption that talks could fail. The remarks reflect a posture of strategic defiance, with Iran positioning itself for either renewed negotiations or direct confrontation as U.S. military pressure in the Gulf continues to intensify.