Iran Rejects U.S. Demands on Uranium Stockpile, Enrichment Limits

TEHRAN, May 30 (AP) — Iran on Friday rejected key demands from the United States regarding its nuclear program, refusing to hand over its highly enriched uranium stockpile or accept new limits on enrichment activities. The standoff marks a significant escalation in diplomatic tensions between the two nations as negotiations remain deadlocked.

The United States has insisted that Tehran transfer its stockpile of uranium enriched to near-weapons-grade levels to international oversight. Washington also seeks binding restrictions on Iran's enrichment capacity to prevent the material from being used for military purposes. Iranian officials stated that such demands violate the country's sovereign rights under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Abbas Araghchi addressed the issue during a press conference in Tehran, stating that the country would not compromise its nuclear infrastructure. "Our nuclear program is peaceful and transparent," Araghchi said. "We will not accept conditions that undermine our national security or technological sovereignty."

The U.S. State Department responded by reaffirming its position that Iran must take verifiable steps to reduce its nuclear capabilities. Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned that failure to comply could result in renewed international sanctions. "The international community expects Iran to demonstrate its commitment to non-proliferation," Blinken said in a statement released from Washington.

Diplomatic channels have remained open, though progress has stalled. European mediators, including representatives from France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, have attempted to bridge the gap between the two sides. However, both Tehran and Washington have indicated that no compromise is currently possible on the core issues of stockpile transfer and enrichment limits.

The dispute centers on the level of uranium enrichment permitted under existing agreements. Iran currently enriches uranium to 60%, a level significantly higher than the 3.67% limit set for civilian power generation. The United States argues that this proximity to weapons-grade levels poses a direct threat to regional stability.

Iran maintains that its enrichment activities are solely for energy and medical purposes. The country has previously stated that it will not dismantle its nuclear facilities or surrender its stockpile without guarantees of sanctions relief and recognition of its rights to peaceful nuclear technology.

As of Friday, no new proposals have been tabled by either side. The situation remains fluid, with both nations preparing for potential economic and political repercussions. Regional allies of Iran have expressed concern over the possibility of military escalation, while U.S. partners in the Middle East have called for a firm response to Iranian non-compliance.

The next round of indirect talks is expected to take place in Vienna within the coming weeks. However, without a breakthrough on the uranium stockpile and enrichment limits, the likelihood of a renewed agreement remains uncertain. International observers are monitoring the situation closely as the risk of further deterioration in U.S.-Iran relations grows.