Iran has firmly ruled out any halt to its nuclear program amid ongoing indirect negotiations with the United States, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei announced on Wednesday.

Speaking to reporters, Baghaei emphasized that Iran's nuclear activities are not up for debate in the Muscat-based talks, which are being mediated by Oman. “Stopping Iran’s nuclear program is not fundamentally an issue in the negotiations,” he stated. “Our nuclear program will definitely continue with seriousness.”

The Iranian diplomat underlined that Tehran's primary objective in the discussions is to safeguard the country's scientific and strategic achievements while working toward the removal of what it considers unjust sanctions imposed on the Iranian people.

The current round of dialogue marks the fourth set of indirect talks between the two sides. Iran’s delegation is being led by Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, while the U.S. delegation is headed by President Joe Biden’s Special Envoy, Steve Witkoff.

According to Iranian officials, the discussions are progressing positively, with both sides describing the atmosphere as “constructive.” The negotiations aim to revive or replace the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), from which the United States unilaterally withdrew in 2018 under the Trump administration.

Iran has repeatedly stated that its nuclear program is peaceful and within the framework of international agreements. Officials in Tehran insist that Iran’s right to nuclear development, including uranium enrichment, is non-negotiable.

“We will not allow any agreement that undermines our sovereignty or compromises our scientific progress,” Baghaei stressed, adding that any deal must first ensure full sanctions relief before further steps are taken.

The Muscat talks come at a critical time for regional diplomacy, as Iran continues to assert its role as a key regional player while pushing back against Western pressure. (ILKHA)