Iran says no country can deprive it of enrichment rights
The Hindu
Iran asserts its right to nuclear enrichment, dismissing foreign attempts to limit its nuclear program amid rising tensions with the U.S.
Iran's atomic energy chief Mohammad Eslami said no country can deprive the Islamic republic of its right to nuclear enrichment, after U.S. President Donald Trump again hinted at military action following talks in Geneva.
"The basis of the nuclear industry is enrichment. Whatever you want to do in the nuclear process, you need nuclear fuel," said Mr. Eslami, according to a video published by Etemad daily on Thursday (February 19, 2026).
"Iran's nuclear programme is proceeding according to the rules of the International Atomic Energy Agency, and no country can deprive Iran of the right to peacefully benefit from this technology."
The comments follow the second round of Oman-mediated talks between Tehran and Washington in Geneva on Tuesday (February 17).
The two foes had held an initial round of discussions on February 6 in Oman, the first since previous talks collapsed during the 12-day Iran-Israel war in June.
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