Nuclear tensions rise as Iran rejects U.S. proposal
Iran will submit a revised proposal to the United States in the ongoing negotiations over the nuclear accord, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Bagei announced on Monday. The Iranian government has rejected Washington’s earlier offer, arguing that it contradicts the country’s national interests and negotiating position.
"The U.S. proposal is not acceptable to us. It was not the result of previous rounds of negotiations. We will present our own proposal to the other side via Oman after it is finalised. This proposal is reasonable, logical, and balanced," declared Bagei.
The spokesman mentioned that the date for the sixth round of negotiations between the United States and Iran has not yet been set.
Ali Khamenei rejects US terms
Speaking last Wednesday, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei rejected the U.S. administration’s nuclear deal proposal, claiming it contradicts the country’s national interests. He also declared that Iran would continue its uranium enrichment efforts.
The United States has accused Iranian authorities of pursuing the development of nuclear weapons, a claim Tehran strongly denies, insisting that its nuclear programme remains entirely peaceful. Despite this, Iran continues to enrich uranium to 60%, which is well beyond the level required for civilian use. According to recent findings by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the pace of the enrichment process has increased over the past quarter. The agency estimates that approximately 42 kilograms (93 pounds) of uranium enriched to 60% is sufficient for one nuclear weapon, and as of mid-May, Iran had accumulated 409 kilograms (902 pounds) of such material.
Broken agreement
In 2015, Iran and a coalition of world powers, including the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Germany, China, Russia, and the European Union, signed a nuclear agreement designed to curb Tehran’s nuclear activities in return for partial sanctions relief. One of the key provisions of the deal capped uranium enrichment at 3.67%.
In 2018, however, during Donald Trump's first presidency, the US withdrew from the agreement. In response, Iran departed from its terms, enriching uranium beyond the set limit.
