Iran says U.S. has not asked for zero nuclear enrichment
The Hindu
Iran's Foreign Minister asserts the U.S. hasn't demanded zero nuclear enrichment, contradicting statements from American officials.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said U.S. negotiators have not requested Tehran end its nuclear enrichment programme, contradicting statements from American officials.
"We have not offered any suspension, and the U.S. side has not asked for zero enrichment," Mr. Araghchi said in an interview on the Morning Joe show published online Friday (February 19, 2026) by U.S. TV network MSNBC.
The top diplomat also said the next step in talks between the two sides is for him to present a draft of a possible deal to Washington "in the next two, three days".
"What we are now talking about is how to make sure that Iran's nuclear programme, including enrichment, is peaceful and would remain peaceful forever," Mr. Araghchi said.
His comments stand in contrast to information relayed by high-ranking U.S. officials including President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly said Iran must not be allowed to enrich uranium at any level.
Mr. Araghchi's remarks come after Washington and Tehran concluded on Tuesday (February 17, 2026) a second round of Oman-mediated talks in the Swiss city of Geneva.
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