Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has delivered a firm message on Tehran’s nuclear program and its limits on negotiation ahead of any renewed talks with the United States. In an interview with Al Jazeera, Araghchi emphasized that Iran’s uranium enrichment program is a non-negotiable right and will continue regardless of external pressure. He underscored that “zero enrichment” is not an option for Iran under any circumstances.

Araghchi also clarified that discussions with the U.S. are to be strictly limited to nuclear issues, explicitly ruling out any negotiations over ballistic missile development. He stated that missiles are off the table both now and in the future, signaling a hardline stance and narrowing the scope of diplomacy.

The foreign minister added a warning directed at Washington, saying that if Iran were attacked by the U.S., it would target American military bases in the region. These remarks reflect Tehran’s strategy of maintaining leverage while preparing for the possibility of talks stalling or failing altogether.

The statements come amid indirect, Oman-mediated negotiations focused solely on Iran’s nuclear program, following stalled JCPOA revival efforts since 2021. Recent regional escalations, including Israeli strikes on Iranian proxies, have further complicated the diplomatic environment. By establishing clear red lines on enrichment and missile development, Araghchi has set the stage for high-stakes diplomacy while signaling that Iran is prepared to defend its interests if threatened.