Iran has not given up its right to produce enriched uranium. In response to recent U.S. demands that Iran ship out its enriched uranium and even completely halt uranium enrichment activities, Iran has clearly rejected these proposals.
Although intensive negotiations are underway between the U.S. and Iran, and a potential "money-for-uranium" deal is under discussion, Iran has drawn clear "red lines" on core issues. Iran is more likely to adopt a strategy of "limited compromise"—maneuvering through technical adjustments regarding the timing and methods of suspension—rather than completely abandoning its nuclear rights.
Why is it so difficult for Iran to give up entirely?
Beyond political will, practical factors also make Iran unlikely to easily abandon its nuclear program:
With unclear U.S. intentions regarding troop withdrawal from the Middle East and ongoing threats from Israel, nuclear technological capability remains a crucial strategic deterrent for Iran.
The 2018 U.S. unilateral exit from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) has left Iran deeply distrustful of American promises. Iran fears that if it hands over its leverage (enriched uranium), the U.S. might again renege on its commitments, leaving Iran in a vulnerable, defenseless position.
Iran already possesses approximately 440 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60% purity, establishing a solid foundation for nuclear capability. Abandoning this would mean wasting years of investment and effort.
Iran regards the peaceful use of nuclear energy—including uranium enrichment—as an inalienable sovereign right. Giving up this right is seen as a profound affront to national dignity and is politically unacceptable domestically.
Currently, Iran’s stance is very clear: under no circumstances will it relinquish its right to independently conduct uranium enrichment, which it views as a symbol of national sovereignty and strategic autonomy. On specific operational matters, Iran may make tactical concessions—such as temporarily halting production of high-enriched uranium—to gain diplomatic space, but its ultimate goal remains gaining international recognition of its right to peacefully utilize nuclear energy.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1862919734876160/
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