Iran will not relinquish its right to enrich uranium as part of any future agreement with the United States, according to Iran’s semi-official IRNA news agency, underscoring what remains one of the biggest sticking points in ongoing negotiations.

The report comes as the United States and Iran appear to be nearing the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding that President Donald Trump has said could be finalized as early as this weekend. The proposed memorandum is expected to extend the current ceasefire, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and lay the groundwork for a new round of negotiations focused on Iran’s nuclear program.

According to IRNA, while Tehran is prepared to continue talks with Washington, it will do so only “within the framework of the Islamic Republic’s fundamental principles.”

The news agency added that “issues such as Iran’s right to enrich uranium and the retention of enriched material by the Islamic Republic of Iran will be emphasized with a view to their inclusion in the final agreement.”

The comments signal that Iran intends to fight to preserve its domestic uranium enrichment capabilities despite repeated U.S. demands that Tehran never be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon.

According to previous reports, negotiations on the broader nuclear issue are expected to begin only after the Memorandum of Understanding is signed. The initial agreement is reportedly designed to reduce tensions and establish a framework for more comprehensive negotiations.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)