Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araqchi, has dismissed Washington’s demand to cease uranium enrichment. This statement comes ahead of the second round of nuclear talks scheduled to take place in Oman this weekend.

Araqchi’s response followed remarks by US top negotiator Steve Witkoff, who stated that Tehran must “stop and eliminate its nuclear enrichment” to finalize a deal with Washington.

Araqchi stated that contradictory statements have been heard from Witkoff, but the real positions will be clarified at the negotiating table. He affirmed Iran’s readiness to build trust regarding concerns about its enrichment program, but emphasized that the principle of enrichment is non-negotiable.

As tensions surrounding Tehran’s expanding nuclear program escalate, Iran and the United States are set to resume discussions in Oman on Saturday. US President Donald Trump has cautioned about potential military actions if an agreement is not reached.

Iranian state media has reported that Araqchi will travel to Russia prior to the negotiations to convey a message from Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, to President Vladimir Putin.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Kremlin chose not to comment on whether Russia would be willing to take custody of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile as part of a possible nuclear agreement.

Additionally, it has been reported that Tehran is likely to reject a US proposal that involves transferring its enriched uranium to a third country, such as Russia. This proposal is intended to limit Iran’s nuclear capabilities under any potential agreement.