Iran says the US did not ask for zero nuclear enrichment

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghi said US negotiators had not asked Tehran to end its nuclear enrichment program, contradicting statements by US officials.

“We have not offered any suspension and the US side has not asked for zero enrichment,” Mr. Aragchi said. MSNBC.

The top diplomat said the next step in talks between the two sides would be to present a draft of a possible deal to Washington “in the next two, three days”.

“What we’re talking about now is how to ensure that Iran’s nuclear program, including enrichment, remains peaceful and peaceful forever,” Mr. Araghchi said.

His comments contradicted messages relayed by high-ranking US officials, including President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly said Iran should not be allowed to enrich uranium at any level.

Washington and Tehran met on Tuesday (February 17, 2026) after the conclusion of the second round of Oman mediation talks in the Swiss city of Geneva. Araghchi comments received.

The two foes held an opening round of talks in Oman on February 6, the first since previous talks collapsed last June when the US attacked Iran’s nuclear facilities during the 12-day Iran-Israel war.

On Thursday (February 19, 2026), Trump hinted that the US would strike Iran again if Tehran did not reach a deal with Washington within 10 days, later extending it to 15.

Washington has repeatedly called for zero enrichment, but has also sought to address Iran’s ballistic missile program and its support for militant groups in the region — factors Israel has pushed to include in the talks.

The West has accused the Islamic Republic of seeking to acquire nuclear weapons.

Tehran denies having such military ambitions, but asserts its right to the technology for civilian purposes.

Increasing pressure on Iran to strike a deal, Trump has deployed a sizable fleet to the region, which he has described as an “armada.”

After sending the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and escort warships to the Gulf in January, he ordered a second carrier, the Gerald Ford, to depart for West Asia.

Meanwhile, Iran’s naval forces this week conducted military exercises in the Gulf and around the strategic Strait of Hormuz in their own show of force.