Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi emphasized that the country will not accept a policy of “zero enrichment.” Recognizing Iran’s right to enrich uranium is essential for success in nuclear negotiations with the United States, he stated. Iran is open to discussions regarding the permitted levels and purity of enrichment, provided it can continue enriching uranium on its soil, with the goal of establishing trust that such activity remains peaceful.
Last year, Iran and the U.S. engaged in five rounds of nuclear talks, which largely stalled due to disagreements over uranium enrichment. In June, the U.S. conducted strikes on Iranian nuclear sites following a 12-day Israeli bombing campaign. Since then, Tehran has claimed it has halted enrichment activities—an action the U.S. sees as a potential step toward developing nuclear weapons—while Iran insists its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes only.
A regional diplomat informed Reuters that Iran is willing to negotiate the “level and purity” of enrichment, as long as it is allowed to enrich uranium domestically and gain sanctions relief alongside military de-escalation. Araqchi added, “Iran’s insistence on enrichment is rooted in a desire for independence and dignity. No one has the right to dictate what the Iranian nation can or cannot have.”
He also clarified that Iran’s missile program, which the U.S. would like to include in negotiations, has never been on the agenda. President Masoud Pesseshkian described recent talks with the U.S. as a “step forward,” reaffirming Iran’s desire for its rights under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty to be respected.
The scheduling and location of the next negotiation session will be decided in consultation with Oman, possibly not in Muscat.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Addresses Ceasefire Situation
TEHRAN: On Tuesday morning, Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araqchi, stated that there is currently no "agreement" in place for a ceasefire between Israel and Iran.
Araqchi indicated that if Israel were to cease its "illegal aggression" against the Iranian populace by 4 am Tehran time (0030 GMT), Iran would not pursue further military action.
He mentioned, “The final decision regarding our military operations will be made later,” in a post on X. He added, “The operations of our formidable Armed Forces to retaliate against Israel for its actions continued right up until 4 am.”
This is an ongoing story and will be updated as new information becomes available.
Sure! Here’s a unique rewrite of your content in American English:
DUBAI: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi declared on Saturday that if the United States aims to strip Iran of its "nuclear rights," Tehran will steadfastly refuse to yield.
Araqchi made these remarks in Doha ahead of the upcoming nuclear negotiations between Iran and the U.S. scheduled in Oman.
"If the purpose of these talks is to deny Iran its nuclear rights, I want to be clear: Iran will not retreat from its entitlements," Araqchi stated, as reported by state media.
Iran consistently asserts that its right to enrich uranium is non-negotiable and has dismissed the demand for "zero enrichment" proposed by some U.S. officials.
However, Steve Witkoff, special envoy to President Donald Trump, mentioned in an interview on Friday that Iran must dismantle its "enrichment facilities" as part of any agreement with the U.S.
Trump, who withdrew the U.S. from the 2015 agreement aimed at curbing Iran’s nuclear advancements, has threatened military action against Iran if a new deal is not reached to address the protracted conflict.
Western nations contend that Iran’s nuclear program, which has accelerated since the U.S. exit from the 2015 agreement, is focused on developing weapons. In contrast, Iran insists its intentions are solely for civilian use.
"In its indirect discussions with the U.S., Iran highlights its right to utilize nuclear energy for peaceful purposes and firmly states that it is not pursuing nuclear weapons," Araqchi emphasized.
"Iran is engaged in these negotiations sincerely, and if the objective is to prevent the acquisition of nuclear weapons, an agreement is achievable. However, if the intention is to restrict Iran’s nuclear rights, Iran will never concede its rights."
Iran and U.S. Prepare for Fourth Round of Nuclear Negotiations
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi announced on Friday that the country has agreed to convene the fourth round of nuclear discussions with the United States this Sunday in Oman. Araqchi stated that the talks have been making progress.
U.S. President Donald Trump, who previously withdrew the United States from the 2015 agreement aimed at limiting Iran’s nuclear activities, has warned that military action could be considered if a new agreement is not reached to settle this prolonged dispute.
Steve Witkoff, the U.S. special envoy, is scheduled to participate in the negotiations in Oman, according to a source familiar with the situation.
Western nations express concerns that Iran’s nuclear program, which has expanded since the U.S. exited the 2015 deal, is focused on weaponization. On the other hand, Iran maintains that its program is intended solely for peaceful purposes.
Araqchi commented, "The negotiations are progressing. Naturally, as we advance, we will require more discussions and evaluations." He emphasized that the delegations need additional time to address the issues at hand. However, he reassured that they are making strides toward a productive dialogue, gradually exploring the finer points of the negotiations.
In an interview with Breitbart News, Witkoff remarked that Iranian officials claim they have no intention of pursuing nuclear weapons, and the U.S. is prepared to "take them at their word." He added, "If that’s their stance, their enrichment facilities must be dismantled. They cannot retain centrifuges. All existing fuel should be down-blended and transported to a secure location, along with a transition to a civilian program."
The initial date for the fourth round of talks was set for May 3 in Rome, but was postponed for "logistical reasons," according to Oman’s mediators. In a separate announcement, Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi confirmed that, following coordination with both Iran and the U.S., the negotiations will take place in Muscat on Sunday.
Araqchi revealed that he plans to visit Qatar and Saudi Arabia on Saturday to engage in ongoing consultations with neighboring nations, aimed at addressing their concerns and mutual interests regarding the nuclear situation.
Here’s a rephrased version of your content in American English:
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Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi meets with IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi in Tehran, Iran, on April 16, 2025. — Reuters
Iran’s Foreign Minister hints that IAEA experts could participate in the upcoming Iran-U.S. talks.
IAEA Director General suggests the agency could facilitate a positive outcome in negotiations.
Trump pulled the U.S. out of the 2015 nuclear agreement involving Iran and key global powers.
A technical team from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has arrived in Iran for discussions with nuclear specialists, as confirmed by a foreign ministry spokesperson on Monday. This visit follows the IAEA chief’s trip to Tehran earlier this month.
“The delegation is in Iran and will conduct technical discussions with Iranian experts today, including matters related to safeguards,” Esmaeil Baghaei stated at a weekly press briefing.
Last week, the U.N. nuclear watchdog was in Iran for technical discussions, which included negotiations at a technical level.
After these discussions, Iran’s foreign minister indicated that IAEA experts may join the next round of Iran-U.S. nuclear negotiations scheduled for Saturday.
During his visit to Tehran on April 17, IAEA Chief Rafael Grossi expressed that his agency could assist in achieving a favorable outcome in the negotiations.
In 2018, Trump exited the 2015 nuclear agreement with Iran and major world powers, prompting Iran to exceed the uranium enrichment limits set by the deal and restrict the IAEA’s oversight capabilities.
In February, the IAEA published a report indicating that the current situation is “of serious concern,” as Tehran is enriching uranium to levels of up to 60% purity, which is close to weapons-grade. Iran has consistently denied any intention to develop nuclear weapons.
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This version is uniquely written and avoids any plagiarism while maintaining the original information’s essence.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani meets with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi at the Italian Foreign Ministry in Rome, Italy, on April 19, 2025. — Reuters
Key Updates
Expert-level discussions set to commence in Oman on Wednesday.
Lead negotiators will reconvene in Oman the following Saturday.
No immediate remarks from the U.S. side after the discussions.
DUBAI: Iran and the United States have decided to engage experts to begin outlining a potential framework for a nuclear agreement, according to Iran’s foreign minister. This follows a second round of indirect talks after President Donald Trump’s military threat against Iran.
During their nearly four-hour meeting in Rome, Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi communicated with Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, via an Omani intermediary.
President Trump, who pulled the United States out of the 2015 nuclear agreement with Tehran and other global powers in 2018, has warned of military action if a new deal is not swiftly negotiated to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
Iran maintains that its nuclear program is intended for peaceful purposes and has expressed a willingness to consider limited restrictions on its nuclear activities in exchange for the easing of international sanctions.
In a statement on state television following the discussions, Araqchi called the talks productive and held in a positive environment. He noted, “We achieved progress on several key principles and goals, leading to a better understanding overall.”
He further revealed that negotiations would progress to a new phase, starting with meetings at the expert level in Oman on Wednesday, where they will work on developing a groundwork for an agreement.
The primary negotiators plan to meet again in Oman next Saturday to evaluate the expert discussions and determine their alignment with the principles of a potential agreement.
Reflecting on comments from Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei made last week, Araqchi stated, “It’s difficult to declare optimism. We are proceeding with caution. There’s no need for excessive pessimism either.”
There was no immediate response from the U.S. after the talks. Trump stated to reporters that his primary goal is to stop Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, adding, “They can’t have a nuclear weapon. I desire for Iran to be a great and prosperous nation.”
Israel, a close ally of Washington, has expressed its opposition to the 2015 deal abandoned by Trump and has not ruled out the possibility of military action against Iran’s nuclear sites in the upcoming months, corroborated by an Israeli official and two other sources.
Since 2019, Iran has violated the uranium enrichment limits set by the 2015 agreement, producing stockpiles significantly exceeding what Western nations deem necessary for a civilian energy program.
A senior Iranian official, speaking on condition of anonymity, outlined Iran’s non-negotiables, stating they will not agree to dismantle their uranium enrichment centrifuges, halt enrichment completely, or decrease their enriched uranium reserves below the limits specified in the 2015 agreement.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi speaks at a press conference following his meeting with Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Moscow, Russia, on April 18, 2025. — Reuters
Statement issued just before the start of a second round of negotiations with the U.S.
Tehran recognized the U.S.’s sincerity during the first round of discussions.
Lavrov states Russia is “prepared to help mediate” between Iran and the U.S.
MOSCOW: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi expressed on Friday that he believes a deal on Iran’s nuclear program with the United States is within reach, provided that Washington approaches negotiations realistically. This statement was made on the eve of the second round of discussions with the Trump administration.
“If they show a genuine commitment and refrain from making unrealistic demands, we can achieve an agreement,” Araqchi stated during a press conference in Moscow following a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
Araqchi mentioned that Iran perceived a measure of seriousness from the United States during their initial talks, which occurred last week in Oman. The follow-up discussions are scheduled for Saturday in Rome.
President Donald Trump has warned of potential military action against Iran if a satisfactory agreement regarding its nuclear program—a program Iran claims is peaceful but which the West believes aims to develop nuclear weapons—is not reached.
Lavrov remarked that Russia is “ready to assist, mediate, and take on any role that could be beneficial for both Iran and the U.S.” Moscow has previously involved itself in Iran’s nuclear negotiations as a permanent member of the UN Security Council and was a party to an earlier agreement that Trump withdrew from in 2018.
Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei tasked Araqchi with delivering a letter to President Vladimir Putin to provide insights on the ongoing negotiations.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated earlier on Friday that the U.S. administration seeks a peaceful resolution with Iran but will not accept the country developing nuclear weapons.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi addresses the media in Beirut, Lebanon, on October 4, 2024. — Reuters
The primary goal for Iran remains the removal of extensive US sanctions: FM.
Trump claims discussions will be “direct,” but Araqchi disagrees.
Russia supports the possibility of new negotiations for a nuclear agreement.
On Tuesday, Iran’s foreign minister expressed optimism that a new nuclear agreement could be reached with the United States, should its longtime adversary demonstrate enough goodwill in the upcoming talks scheduled to begin in Oman on Saturday.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi emphasized that Iran’s main objective continues to be the lifting of broad US sanctions, which have significantly impacted the Iranian economy since their reinstatement by President Donald Trump in 2018.
During a White House meeting on Monday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu—an outspoken opponent of Tehran—Trump announced that his administration would be willing to engage in discussions with Iran.
While Trump indicated these talks would be “direct,” Araqchi maintained that his discussions with US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff would actually be “indirect.”
“We will not accept any negotiation format other than this,” Araqchi told state media. “In my opinion, the format of the negotiations is not the most critical element. What matters is whether the discussions are effective or not.”
“If the other side is sufficiently willing, a deal may be achievable… The ball is in America’s court,” he added.
In a press briefing on Monday, Trump expressed hope for a successful agreement with Tehran but cautioned of “great danger” for the Islamic Republic should the talks fall through.
“We are currently engaged with the Iranians, and we have a very important meeting scheduled for Saturday,” Trump told reporters.
This announcement from Trump coincided with Iran’s dismissal of direct negotiations aimed at establishing a new framework to limit its nuclear activities, labeling the proposal as fruitless.
Trump withdrew from the previous agreement in 2018, during his first term, leading to rampant speculation that Israel may consider attacking Iranian sites if a fresh agreement is not reached.
‘Great Danger’
Trump issued a firm warning to Tehran during his statements.
“If our negotiations with Iran fail, I believe Iran will be in significant danger, and I regret to say it will face serious peril, as they cannot possess a nuclear weapon,” he remarked.
In a recent interview with NBC, Trump escalated his rhetoric, stating, “If they don’t reach an agreement, there will be bombing.”
Meanwhile, China and Russia engaged in discussions with Iran in Moscow on Tuesday, leading to a positive response from the Kremlin regarding the anticipated negotiations.
Russia, a key ally of Iran, voiced approval for the potential new nuclear agreement to replace the deal that Trump unilaterally exited in 2018.
“We are aware that both direct and indirect communications are planned in Oman. This should be welcomed as it might contribute to reducing tensions surrounding Iran,” commented Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, expressing Moscow’s full support for the initiative.
China further called on the United States to cease its aggressive tactics and refrain from exerting excessive pressure, following Trump’s threats of military action against Iran if no deal is struck.
“As the nation that unilaterally walked away from the comprehensive agreement regarding Iran’s nuclear issue and contributed to the current situation, the United States must exhibit political sincerity and mutual respect,” stated Lin Jian, a spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry.
Lin added that Washington should engage in dialogue and consultation while stopping its misguided approach of applying force to exert undue pressure.
