Iran rejects US nuclear proposal, vows to continue Uranium enrichment

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has firmly rejected a recent US proposal for a nuclear deal, saying it goes against Iran’s national interests. Speaking on Wednesday, Khamenei emphasised that Iran would not seek approval from the US or any other country for its decisions.

“Independence means not waiting for America’s permission,” he said, calling the proposal completely contrary to the values of the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

He also made it clear that Iran would not give up uranium enrichment, arguing that without it, the country’s nuclear program would be meaningless. “Who are you to tell us whether or not we can have a nuclear program?” Khamenei asked.

The US proposal reportedly came after five rounds of talks between U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. A sixth round could take place soon in the Middle East, according to Axios. The deal is said to allow Iran to maintain low-level uranium enrichment for peaceful purposes — such as medicine and power — if it shuts down its underground nuclear sites for a set period. In return, some international sanctions would be lifted once Iran proves its compliance.

Iran, however, has demanded that any international consortium for uranium enrichment must be based within its borders. A senior Iranian official said that any plan located outside Iran would “definitely fail.”

While the U.S. has insisted that Iran should not enrich uranium at all, some flexibility appears in the latest offer, similar to the 2015 nuclear deal under President Obama. That deal permitted limited enrichment under international monitoring. President Trump later pulled the U.S. out of that agreement.

According to the proposed plan, Iran would stop enrichment at high levels, halt development of advanced centrifuges, and mothball key underground facilities. Enrichment to about 3% for civilian use would be allowed at above-ground sites. Eventually, a regional enrichment consortium could be created, including countries like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey, and monitored by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Meanwhile, Iran continues to deny it is pursuing nuclear weapons, though it has enriched uranium to levels that raise global concern, blocked international inspections, and expanded its missile programs. A recent confidential UN report found Iran had engaged in undeclared nuclear activities at three sites, which could lead to further international action.

The report also revealed that Iran’s stockpile of uranium enriched up to 60% has grown to 408.6 kilograms — enough to make nine nuclear weapons if further refined, according to the IAEA.

Israel, which sees Iran as a direct threat, has warned of military action to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons, although such a move is unlikely while talks are ongoing.