9 Feb 2026·Source: The Hindu

4 min

International RelationsNEWS

Iran Rejects U.S. Threats, Affirms Right to Enrich Uranium

Iranian Foreign Minister insists Tehran will not give up uranium enrichment.

Photo by Mohammad Amirahmadi

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Iran would not abandon uranium enrichment despite U.S. threats. He expressed distrust in Washington's seriousness regarding renewed negotiations.

Araghchi emphasized Iran's right to enrich uranium and asserted that military deployments in the region do not intimidate them. Negotiations between the U.S. and Iran have resumed in Oman, with Iran seeking the lifting of U.S.

sanctions in exchange for confidence-building measures concerning its nuclear program. Western countries and Israel suspect Iran of seeking nuclear weapons, a claim Iran denies. Araghchi questioned the U.S.'s commitment to negotiations, citing continued sanctions and military actions.

Key Facts

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated Iran would not abandon uranium enrichment.

Araghchi expressed distrust in Washington's seriousness regarding renewed negotiations.

Araghchi emphasized Iran's right to enrich uranium.

Military deployments in the region do not intimidate Iran, according to Araghchi.

Negotiations between the U.S. and Iran have resumed in Oman.

Iran seeks the lifting of U.S. sanctions in exchange for confidence-building measures concerning its nuclear program.

UPSC Exam Angles

GS Paper II: International Relations - Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India's interests.

Connects to India's energy security concerns and its relations with both Iran and the US.

Potential question types: Analyzing the impact of US sanctions on Iran, the role of IAEA, and India's strategic options.

Visual Insights

Key Locations in Iran Nuclear Negotiations

Map showing Iran and Oman, the location of recent US-Iran negotiations, highlighting the regional context.

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📍Iran📍Oman📍United States

More Information

Background

The current situation with Iran and the US has deep roots in the history of nuclear non-proliferation and international relations. The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), which came into force in 1970, aimed to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons. However, countries like Iran have maintained the right to develop nuclear technology for peaceful purposes, leading to ongoing debates about the true intent of their nuclear programs. Over the years, various agreements and sanctions have been used to manage Iran's nuclear ambitions. The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), also known as the Iran nuclear deal, was signed in 2015 by Iran and several world powers, including the US. This agreement placed restrictions on Iran's nuclear program in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions. However, the US unilaterally withdrew from the JCPOA in 2018 under the Trump administration, reimposing sanctions on Iran. This action led to increased tensions and Iran's gradual rollback of its commitments under the agreement. The current legal and political framework is complex. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) plays a crucial role in monitoring Iran's nuclear activities. UN Security Council resolutions have also been used to impose sanctions on Iran in the past. The US withdrawal from the JCPOA and the reimposition of sanctions have raised questions about the effectiveness of international agreements and the role of unilateral actions in international relations. The concept of sovereignty is also central to this issue, as Iran asserts its right to develop nuclear technology for peaceful purposes.

Latest Developments

Recent developments indicate a renewed effort to revive negotiations between the US and Iran. The talks in Oman suggest a potential pathway for de-escalation. However, the key sticking point remains the lifting of US sanctions. Iran insists on the removal of sanctions as a precondition for further progress, while the US seeks verifiable commitments from Iran regarding its nuclear program. The role of regional actors, such as Israel, adds another layer of complexity. Israel has consistently expressed concerns about Iran's nuclear ambitions and has hinted at potential military action to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. These concerns influence the broader geopolitical landscape and impact the prospects for a peaceful resolution. Looking ahead, the future of the Iran nuclear deal remains uncertain. The outcome of the negotiations in Oman will be crucial in determining whether the JCPOA can be revived or whether a new framework needs to be established. The positions of key players, including the US, Iran, and other world powers, will shape the future trajectory of this issue. The concept of multilateralism is being tested as different countries have different views on how to deal with Iran's nuclear program.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Iran's stated position on uranium enrichment, as per the news?

According to the news, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Iran would not abandon uranium enrichment despite U.S. threats. He emphasized Iran's right to enrich uranium.

2. Why are negotiations between the U.S. and Iran important in the current geopolitical context?

Negotiations are important because they represent a potential pathway for de-escalation in the Middle East. The key issue is the lifting of U.S. sanctions in exchange for Iran's commitment to its nuclear program, which could ease tensions and prevent further conflict.

3. What is the role of Oman in the recent U.S.-Iran negotiations?

Negotiations between the U.S. and Iran have recently resumed in Oman. Oman is acting as a mediator between the two countries.

4. What are the potential implications of Iran's insistence on its right to enrich uranium?

Iran's insistence on its right to enrich uranium can lead to increased tensions with the U.S. and other Western countries, potentially resulting in further sanctions or even military conflict. It also raises concerns about nuclear proliferation in the region.

5. What is the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and why is it relevant to the Iran nuclear issue?

The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) aims to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons. While allowing countries to develop nuclear technology for peaceful purposes, it creates ongoing debates about compliance and potential weaponization, making it highly relevant to the Iran nuclear issue.

6. What are the key issues preventing a resolution between the U.S. and Iran, based on the news?

The key sticking point is the lifting of U.S. sanctions. Iran insists on the removal of sanctions as a precondition for further progress, while the U.S. seeks verifiable commitments from Iran regarding its nuclear program.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA): 1. The JCPOA was signed between Iran and the P5+1 countries. 2. Under the JCPOA, Iran agreed to limit its uranium enrichment activities in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions. 3. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is responsible for monitoring Iran's compliance with the JCPOA. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 and 2 only
B.2 and 3 only
C.1 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: D

All three statements are correct. The JCPOA was indeed signed between Iran and the P5+1 countries (China, France, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States). Iran agreed to limit its uranium enrichment activities in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions. The IAEA is responsible for monitoring Iran's compliance with the JCPOA, ensuring that Iran is adhering to the terms of the agreement. The JCPOA aimed to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.

2. Which of the following statements best describes Iran's current stance on uranium enrichment, as reflected in recent news? A) Iran has completely halted uranium enrichment activities as a goodwill gesture. B) Iran insists on its right to enrich uranium despite U.S. threats. C) Iran has agreed to permanently dismantle its nuclear facilities. D) Iran is seeking military assistance from other countries to protect its nuclear program.

A.Iran has completely halted uranium enrichment activities as a goodwill gesture.
B.Iran insists on its right to enrich uranium despite U.S. threats.
C.Iran has agreed to permanently dismantle its nuclear facilities.
D.Iran is seeking military assistance from other countries to protect its nuclear program.

Show Answer

Answer: B

According to the news summary, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Iran would not abandon uranium enrichment despite U.S. threats. This indicates that Iran insists on its right to enrich uranium. The other options are not supported by the information provided in the summary.

3. The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) aims to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons. Which of the following is NOT a key pillar of the NPT? A) Non-proliferation B) Disarmament C) Peaceful uses of nuclear energy D) Mandatory nuclear weapon development for all signatories

A.Non-proliferation
B.Disarmament
C.Peaceful uses of nuclear energy
D.Mandatory nuclear weapon development for all signatories

Show Answer

Answer: D

The NPT has three key pillars: non-proliferation (preventing the spread of nuclear weapons), disarmament (working towards the elimination of nuclear weapons), and the right to peacefully use nuclear energy. Mandatory nuclear weapon development for all signatories is contradictory to the core aim of the NPT.