Iran Says Uranium Transfer Not on Nuclear Negotiation Agenda
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TEHRAN, April 20 (AP) — Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei stated Monday that transferring the country's enriched uranium stockpiles to the United States or any other nation has never been proposed in ongoing nuclear negotiations and remains off the agenda.
Baghaei made the remarks during a press briefing in Tehran, addressing recent speculation regarding potential concessions in talks aimed at resolving the nuclear dispute. He emphasized that the transfer of nuclear materials is not a viable option for Tehran.
"Transferring Iran's enriched uranium stockpiles to the US or any other country has never been raised in negotiations and is not on the agenda," Baghaei said. He reiterated that Iran's nuclear program is for peaceful purposes and that the country will not compromise its sovereignty or security interests.
The statement comes amid renewed diplomatic efforts to revive the 2015 nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). The agreement, which limited Iran's nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief, collapsed in 2018 after the United States withdrew under President Donald Trump. Subsequent negotiations have struggled to bridge gaps between Tehran and Western powers over the scope of restrictions and the timeline for sanctions relief.
Baghaei's comments clarify Iran's position as diplomats from the European Union, China, and Russia continue to mediate between Tehran and Washington. The United States has previously indicated that any return to the deal would require stricter monitoring of Iran's nuclear facilities and limits on its uranium enrichment levels.
The Iranian spokesperson did not specify which negotiations he was referring to, though context suggests ongoing indirect talks facilitated by European mediators. Iran has consistently maintained that it will not accept demands that undermine its right to enrich uranium for civilian energy needs.
Western officials have not immediately responded to Baghaei's statement. However, the clarification may impact the trajectory of future discussions, as the status of Iran's uranium stockpile remains a central point of contention. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has reported that Iran has increased its stockpile of low-enriched uranium in recent months, raising concerns among member states.
Analysts suggest that the rejection of uranium transfer proposals could signal a hardening of Iran's negotiating stance. However, Tehran has also expressed willingness to discuss other aspects of the deal, including the resumption of inspections and the reduction of enrichment levels.
The situation remains fluid as diplomats work to prevent further escalation. The next round of indirect talks is expected to take place later this month, though no date has been confirmed. Questions remain regarding whether both sides can find common ground on the core issues dividing them.
Baghaei concluded his remarks by urging all parties to return to a framework that respects international law and ensures the peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear program. He warned that any attempt to force Iran into accepting unreasonable demands would be counterproductive.
The international community watches closely as these negotiations unfold, with the potential for significant implications for regional stability and global non-proliferation efforts.