Iran's uranium enrichment is a crucial part of the country's nuclear fuel cycle and a key element of its nuclear industry, and it will never be used as a bargaining chip, the country's Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said on Monday.
Speaking at a press conference in Tehran, Baghaei said that the International Atomic Energy Agency's report does not show any signs of Iran's non-compliance or deviation from its peaceful nuclear program. As a signatory of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, Iran has the right to use nuclear energy peacefully.
He emphasized that uranium enrichment is an inalienable right and a crucial part of Iran's scientific and nuclear industry, which is why Iran has excluded it from any negotiations.
"Not every country involved in uranium enrichment has a [nuclear] weapons program. Currently, some countries, including U.S. allies, are engaged in uranium enrichment but do not have any military [nuclear] or weapons initiatives. Uranium enrichment is a crucial part of the nuclear fuel cycle and a key element of Iran's nuclear industry. This technology, developed based on Iran's strategic needs and national interests, is a result of decades of hard work by Iranian scientists and will never be used as a bargaining chip," he said.
According to media reports, Iran's intelligence agency has obtained significant strategic information and documents from Israel, including those related to Israel's nuclear facilities and defense plans.
In response, Baghaei noted that these documents show that while some European countries question Iran's peaceful nuclear program, they are actively involved in Israel's military nuclear program.
"Some European countries are actively participating in Israel's military nuclear program. Those who frequently emphasize the need to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons are, ironically, working to bolster Israel's military nuclear capabilities while questioning Iran's peaceful nuclear plans," said Baghaei.
Since April, Iran and the United States have held five rounds of Omani-mediated indirect talks, three in the Omani capital Muscat and two in Rome, over Tehran's nuclear program and the possible lifting of U.S. sanctions.
The fifth round was held in Rome on May 23, and the sixth round is expected to be held in the coming days.
Recently, the United States has repeatedly demanded that Iran completely cease uranium enrichment, a request firmly rejected by Tehran.
Iranian FM says right to uranium enrichment is non-negotiable
Iranian FM says right to uranium enrichment is non-negotiable
Iranian FM says right to uranium enrichment is 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
