Iran showcased new nuclear achievements just days ahead of talks with the United States on its nuclear program.
Why It Matters
Iran’s nuclear program is under pressure from the United States, which accuses the Islamic Republic of seeking to develop the technology to give it nuclear weapons and has threatened to bomb Iran if a diplomatic solution is not reached that could prevent it from ever acquiring them.
Landmark talks are due between Iran and the United States in Oman on Saturday. Tehran has said it will not negotiate under pressure and has repeatedly said its nuclear program has only civilian purposes.
What To Know
Homegrown nuclear achievements were highlighted in the exhibition that showed progress on the nuclear fuel cycle, nuclear energy production and other applications of nuclear technology by Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization (AEOI) at a ceremony on Wednesday to mark on National Nuclear Technology Day.
AEOI is one of five recently sanctioned entities enabling Iran’s nuclear program, the U.S. Treasury Department said on Wednesday.
Iran announced advancements in uranium enrichment, progress on nuclear plant projects at Bushehr and Karoun, and applications in medicine, agriculture, and industry, according to Iranian news reports.
Iran’s President Massoud Pezeshkian stressed that the Islamic Republic is not seeking to produce a nuclear weapon.
Uranium Enrichment Accelerates
Iran has ramped up its production of near-weapons-grade uranium, significantly increasing tensions with Washington following Trump’s return to the White House, according to a report by the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog obtained by The Associated Press.
U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened Iran with military actions if nuclear talks fail amid a strong U.S.-Israel stance against acquisition of nuclear weapons. Iran said it welcomed diplomacy but will swiftly defend itself against any attacks.
Iran refused to engage in direct talks with the U.S. under the Trump administration’s reinstated “maximum pressure” policy of economic and oil sanctions.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who will lead upcoming nuclear meetings, said he will focus on assurances about the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program, according to Iran’s media.
Trump withdrew from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) nuclear deal during his first term in 2018 and has recently pushed for a new agreement limiting Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief.
What People Are Saying
Iran’s President Massoud Pezeshkian quoted by Iranian media: “We are open to dialogue, but with dignity and pride, we will not compromise on our achievements and we will not make deals (on them). We are not looking for an atomic bomb.”
U.S. Secretary of Treasury Scott Bessent: “The Iranian regime’s reckless pursuit of nuclear weapons remains a grave threat to the United States and a menace to regional stability and global security. Treasury will continue to leverage our tools and authorities to disrupt any attempt by Iran to advance its nuclear program and its broader destabilizing agenda.”
What Happens Next
U.S. and Iranian officials are scheduled to meet in Oman on April 12 in what could be a decisive moment for nuclear negotiations amid rising tensions and threats of military escalation.