Tehran, Iran
CNN
–
Iran is open to compromise on its nuclear program in talks with the US, but uranium enrichment remains unnegotiable, a spokesman for Tehran’s Foreign Ministry told CNN, indicating that Washington understands this position.
“If we are intended to ensure that Iran’s nuclear program is not weaponized, I think that’s simply something we can do,” Esmail Baghhai, a spokesman for Iran’s Foreign Ministry, told Tehran on Monday.
Baghaei was asked by CNN how compromises can be reached in consultations.
However, he adds that Iran’s rights to nuclear energy must be protected, reflecting his long-standing position on the talks.
“If (our) intention is to deprive Iranians of their right to peaceful nuclear energy, then as long as I think it really challenges the whole process,” he added.
After US Iran moved forward in negotiations for the fifth round in Rome on Friday, President Donald Trump expressed optimism that progress is being made on Sunday.
“We talked very well with Iran yesterday and today. Let’s see what happens. But I think there’s good news on the Iranian front,” Trump told reporters in New Jersey that he is preparing to return to Washington.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araguchi, who was called “one of the most specialized rounds of negotiations,” said the key issue was “too complicated to resolve in two or three meetings.”
The Trump administration was bullish on demand that Tehran end all uranium enrichment, but all uranium enrichment — essential for both civil and military nuclear applications — Baguey said the actions of US negotiators’ consultations suggest a softer approach.
“The fact that we have been in discussion so far means we understand that Iran has a certain level of understanding that under no circumstances can its right to peaceful nuclear energy,” he said.
In March, Rafael Grossi, head of the UN nuclear watchdog, said Iran’s stockpile of uranium enriched uranium had risen by half in three months. “Iran is the only nuclear-free state that is enriched at this level, causing serious concern to me,” he said.
Iran’s top leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei publicly rejected the possibility of a deal and took US negotiators ahead of Friday’s talks. “Please don’t talk about nonsense,” he urged them last week with a post attributed to him on his official website.
However, Baghaei was optimistic about the possibility of an agreement between the US and Iran, and foreseen a “win” for both sides. “If you really have the will, there’s a way,” he said. “There are not just one method, but so many.”
Several US officials said last week that the US had obtained a new intelligence news report indicating that Israel is preparing to attack Iran’s nuclear facilities, even as the Trump administration pursues a diplomatic contract with Tehran.
Baghey said Iran was determined before the threat of a one-sided Israeli military strike against Iran.
“Iranians will not be encouraged by any kind of pressure,” he said. “When it comes to using that language, Iranians will bring one voice. We certainly protect national security.”