(TJV NEWS) Iran has pushed back against a central U.S. condition in the indirect nuclear negotiations between the two countries, refusing to halt its uranium enrichment activities just days after both sides engaged in what were described as “constructive and promising” talks in Oman.

Speaking to reporters after a cabinet session in Tehran on Wednesday, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran would not accept the latest demand from Steve Witkoff, President Donald Trump’s Special Envoy to the Middle East.

Witkoff had insisted that any future agreement must require Iran to completely stop all uranium enrichment, including enrichment for peaceful civilian purposes. He tweeted, “A deal with Iran will only be completed if it is a Trump deal,” stressing that Iran must dismantle its entire nuclear enrichment and weaponization program in exchange for regional peace and stability.

His statement conflicted with earlier remarks suggesting Iran might be allowed to keep a civilian nuclear program, leading to confusion over the U.S. stance.

Araghchi made it clear that Iran’s enrichment efforts are not up for negotiation, reiterating that they are intended solely for peaceful purposes such as energy production and medical research. “Iran’s enrichment is a real, accepted matter. We are ready to build confidence in response to possible concerns, but the issue of enrichment is non-negotiable,” he stated.

Indirect talks between Araghchi and Witkoff resumed in Oman last Saturday and are scheduled to continue this weekend. Ahead of the next round, Araghchi is expected to visit Moscow for discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, amid U.S. pressure for Iran to hand over its enriched uranium to a third-party nation — potentially Russia — as part of a broader nuclear framework.