- His comments came after a second round of talks between Tehran and Washington in Geneva on Tuesday,
- During that confrontation, the United States joined Israel in striking Iranian nuclear facilities
- At the same time, Iran has carried out naval exercises in the Gulf and near the Strait of Hormuz
Mohammad Eslami, head of Iran’s atomic energy agency, has declared that Tehran will not relinquish its right to enrich uranium, responding to renewed warnings from US President Donald Trump about possible military action.
Speaking in remarks carried by Etemad newspaper on Thursday, Eko Hot Blog reports that Eslami stressed that uranium enrichment is fundamental to Iran’s nuclear activities.
EDITOR’S PICK
- Grand Wedding Reception: Halimot, Saheed Mark Their Union
- Ikosi-Ejinrin LCDA Celebrates Former Chairman, Hon. Segun Adetola, on Birthday
- Sanwo-Olu Flags Off Free Eye Screening for 1,000 Lagos Police Officers
He maintained that the country’s programme is being conducted within the framework of the International Atomic Energy Agency and insisted that no nation has the authority to deny Iran access to nuclear technology for peaceful use.
His comments came after a second round of talks between Tehran and Washington in Geneva on Tuesday, mediated by Oman. The renewed dialogue followed earlier discussions held in Oman on February 6 , the first engagement since negotiations broke down during the brief Iran-Israel conflict in June.
During that confrontation, the United States joined Israel in striking Iranian nuclear facilities.
On Wednesday, Trump reiterated the possibility of military action in a post on his Truth Social platform.
In the same message, he cautioned Britain over sovereignty issues concerning the Chagos Islands, suggesting that the US base on Diego Garcia could be required if tensions with Iran escalate.
Washington has consistently pushed for a zero-enrichment agreement, while also seeking to address Iran’s ballistic missile development and its backing of armed groups across the region, issues strongly supported by Israel for inclusion in negotiations.
Western governments continue to accuse Iran of pursuing nuclear weapons capability, an allegation Tehran denies. Iranian officials maintain that their nuclear efforts are strictly for civilian purposes, including energy production.
Amid heightened rhetoric, the US has increased its military presence in the region.
Earlier this year, the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and accompanying vessels were deployed to the Gulf. Trump has also indicated that the USS Gerald Ford will soon head to the Middle East.
At the same time, Iran has carried out naval exercises in the Gulf and near the Strait of Hormuz.
In addition, Iranian and Russian naval forces have been conducting joint drills in the Sea of Oman and the northern Indian Ocean, underscoring rising geopolitical tensions.
FURTHER READING
