U.S. Demands Iran Halt Uranium Enrichment Ahead of Nuclear Talks

Ahead of a fresh round of nuclear talks, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated that Iran must completely stop enriching uranium under any agreement with Washington, stressing that Tehran should import enriched uranium solely for civilian use, similar to other countries with peaceful nuclear programs.

The negotiations, set for Saturday in Oman, mark the third round of discussions between the two nations. However, a senior Iranian official, close to the negotiation team, dismissed Rubio’s remarks, stating again that “zero enrichment is unacceptable.” Iran insists its nuclear activities are peaceful and denies any ambition to develop nuclear weapons.

The U.S., under President Donald Trump’s "maximum pressure" strategy, continues to impose heavy sanctions and threatens military action if Iran does not abandon its enrichment activities. Washington aims to ensure Iran cannot develop a nuclear bomb, citing enrichment as a central proliferation concern.

Rubio clarified in a recent interview that Iran, like other countries, can import enriched uranium to support a civilian nuclear program, but domestic enrichment poses unacceptable risks. He said Iran would be the only nation enriching uranium without an acknowledged weapons program, raising international concerns.

U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff also emphasized that Iran does not need to enrich uranium beyond 3.67%—a level suitable for civilian energy use. Although his remarks initially seemed ambiguous, Witkoff later asserted that Iran must “stop and eliminate” its enrichment capabilities entirely.

Meanwhile, the International Atomic Energy Agency reports that Iran is accelerating uranium enrichment to 60% purity, approaching weapons-grade levels. Western powers argue this level of enrichment is unnecessary for civilian purposes and note that no nation enriches to such high levels without pursuing nuclear arms.