Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said on Monday the country's uranium enrichment is non-negotiable.
Speaking at a weekly press conference in Tehran, Baghaei responded to remarks by U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, who told the U.S.-based ABC News on Sunday that uranium enrichment is a "red line" for the United States and it "cannot allow (Iran to have) even 1 percent of an enrichment capability."
Describing uranium enrichment as a technological necessity, Baghaei said it is crucial to the continuous functioning of Iran's nuclear infrastructure.
"Uranium enrichment is part of the development of Iran's nuclear industry and is not open to negotiation under any circumstances. It is a technology essential for ensuring the continued and uninterrupted operation of Iran's nuclear industry. It's an achievement earned through decades of hard work by Iranian scientists," said the spokesman.
U.S. President Donald Trump said last week that the U.S. was getting very close to securing a nuclear deal with Iran, suggesting that Washington and Tehran had "sort of" agreed to the terms. In response, Baghaei said Iran has not received any written proposal from the U.S.
"We have not received any written proposals, as you can see, even the verbal suggestions have been repeatedly revised," he stressed.
He also addressed the issue of continuing U.S. sanctions, despite the ongoing negotiations between the two sides, emphasizing Iran's resistance to what he described as illegal and inhumane measures.
"The issue of sanctions has a long history. We've been under various and multi-layered U.S. sanctions for over 40 years. We cannot simply stand by and watch as the U.S. imposes all these illegal and inhumane sanctions. We will explore every possible means to bypass them and we will certainly continue to do so to safeguard our interests," he said.
Facilitated by Oman, the Iranian and U.S. delegations have so far held four rounds of indirect talks on Tehran's nuclear program and the lifting of U.S. sanctions. A fifth round is expected to be held in the coming days, with the date and venue to be announced later.
Iran says uranium enrichment non-negotiable
Iran says uranium enrichment non-negotiable
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
