Senior Negotiator Assures Iranian MPs:

Enrichment Right a ‘Red Line’ in Talks

Date: 20 April 2025 - 22:03

News ID: ۱۳۸۷۲۱

TEHRAN -- Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs Kazem Gharibabadi said Sunday Tehran has firmly dismissed negotiating over its fundamental right to enrich uranium, declaring it a “red line.”
Speaking at a meeting of the Parliament’s National Security Commission, Gharibabadi provided updates on the ongoing talks with the United States on the nuclear issue and the removal of sanctions.
The commission’s spokesperson, Ebrahim Rezaei, recounted Gharibabadi’s remarks, saying that during the talks in Rome, the two sides reached a mutual understanding on the broad framework of the negotiations.
Gharibabadi assured lawmakers that Iran’s uranium enrichment is intended solely for peaceful purposes, emphasizing that the country has no intention of pursuing nuclear weapons, he said.
The deputy minister stressed that Iran remains committed to the negotiation process and expects the other side to demonstrate genuine willingness and resist pressure from the Zionist regime, which is attempting to derail the talks, Rezaei added.
The second round of negotiations between Iran and the United States concluded on Saturday in Rome, with both sides agreeing to reconvene next week.
The Iranian delegation was led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, while the U.S. team was headed by President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff.
Omani Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi once again acted as mediator, shuttling between the two delegations to relay messages.
Government spokeswoman Fatemeh Mohajerani said Sunday welcomes any initiative leading to the lifting of sanctions and guaranteeing national rights.
Speaking to IRNA, Mohajerani said the talks between Iran and the U.S. have been positive so far.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran has always acted based on national interests and maintenance of the Iranian people’s dignity, as it follows the principles of wisdom and expediency,” Mohajerani said.
She noted that the Foreign Ministry is pursuing the talks within the framework of its duties and missions, emphasizing that the administration would not divert its focus from the main path of running the country.
She added that the indirect talks between Tehran and Washington, mediated by Oman, are being held in a constructive atmosphere.
“The goal of these talks is to examine practical steps to reduce tensions and prepare the ground for technical talks in the future,” she said.
Speaking at the end of the second round of talks on Saturday, the Iranian foreign minister said Tehran and Washington had reached a “better understanding” on certain principles and goals.