Iran Won't Compromise on Nuclear Program, Official States

A senior Iranian official told Reuters on Friday that Tehran will not make any concessions regarding its nuclear program, even if the United States accepts its proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. This proposal includes lifting the U.S. naval blockade on Iranian ports. The official, who requested anonymity, stated that the waterway would remain closed until "all of Iran's conditions" are met by the U.S.

Iran's proposal, presented by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Thursday, calls for an end to hostilities on all fronts, including Lebanon, the lifting of the U.S. blockade on Iranian ports, the release of frozen Iranian funds, and the exemption of Iranian oil exports from sanctions within seven days. This offer comes amid escalating tensions in the Middle East over the past seven months between Iran and the United States, including Houthi missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia.

The Strait of Hormuz has become a key bargaining chip in efforts to de-escalate the conflict. Tehran seeks relief from U.S. sanctions that are crippling its economy, while Washington aims to ensure freedom of navigation through the strait, which Iran has threatened to close. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani expressed hope on Thursday, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, for an agreement with Washington to end hostilities before the U.S. midterm elections on November 3.

Tehran has indicated it will only enter detailed negotiations on its nuclear program after its conditions are met. However, the official emphasized that Iran would not compromise on its rights, including uranium enrichment or the transfer of its highly enriched uranium stockpile abroad, a key U.S. demand. Western nations, including the U.S. and Israel, have long accused Iran of pursuing nuclear weapons, citing its uranium enrichment levels of up to 60%, significantly higher than needed for civilian use and approaching the 90% threshold for weapons-grade material. Iran denies these accusations.

The International Atomic Energy Agency estimated Iran possessed 440.9 kilograms of 60% enriched uranium as of June 2025, though the current amount is unclear. Iranian authorities have suggested a potential willingness to moderate its highest enrichment levels. In May, Reuters reported, citing two senior Iranian sources, that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had directed that the country's highly enriched uranium not be sent abroad.