Iran says no nuclear talks with US, cites enrichment red line

An Iranian official said on 7 October that no negotiations have taken place with the United States regarding Iran's nuclear program, according to Reuters. The official stated that Washington must first meet Tehran's conditions before any nuclear talks can begin.

The official described US recognition of Iran's right to nuclear enrichment as a red line for Tehran, adding that Iran will not show flexibility on enrichment in any way. The comments were reported a day after US Vice President JD Vance called for a scale-back of Iranian uranium enrichment.

Vance had said on 5 October that Tehran must make a significant reduction in nuclear enrichment. In response, the Iranian official said that Vance's comments represent Washington's ideas and requests, noting that Americans are free to make requests and have ideas, but they are at odds with Iran's demands.

The exchange highlights the continuing gap between the two sides over Iran's nuclear program. Iran has consistently maintained that its nuclear activities are peaceful and that it has the right to enrich uranium under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, while the US has sought to limit Iran's enrichment capacity.

According to Mehr News, the Iranian official's remarks underscore Tehran's position that any negotiations must be based on mutual respect and recognition of its rights. The report added that no direct talks have been held, and that the US must first satisfy Iran's conditions before any dialogue can proceed.