Tehran — Iran has declared it will not engage in any nuclear negotiations if the United States insists on stopping its uranium enrichment activities, escalating tensions amid ongoing efforts to revive the 2015 nuclear deal.

Iranian officials emphasized that uranium enrichment is a non-negotiable part of their nuclear program, which they claim is for peaceful purposes. Tehran rejected Washington’s precondition demanding a halt to enrichment as a prerequisite for resuming diplomatic talks.

The statement comes amid stalled negotiations in Vienna aimed at restoring the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the landmark deal designed to limit Iran’s nuclear capabilities in exchange for sanctions relief.

Iran’s position complicates efforts by European powers and other signatories to bring both parties back to the negotiating table and find a compromise. The US, meanwhile, insists that any revived deal must include strict limits on Iran’s nuclear activities, including enrichment levels.

Analysts warn that this deadlock increases the risk of further escalation in the region and diminishes the chances of a diplomatic resolution to the nuclear dispute.

The international community continues to call for dialogue, urging both Iran and the US to adopt a flexible stance to avoid destabilizing consequences.