The Iranian envoy to the United Nations has reiterated that Tehran will not back down to intimidation by Washington, as the US and Iran continue to spar over the conditions for resuming nuclear talks. The US has been pushing for a zero uranium enrichment policy, a demand that Iran deems a nonstarter.

At a UN Security Council meeting on Tuesday, US Deputy Middle East Envoy Morgan Ortagus stated that Washington remains open to formal talks with Iran, but only if Tehran is willing to engage in direct and meaningful dialogue. Ortagus emphasized that the US expects Iran to cease all uranium enrichment activities, citing this as a principle that remains non-negotiable.

In response, Iranian UN Envoy Amir Saeid Iravani stated that Tehran appreciates fair and meaningful negotiations but views the US demand for zero enrichment as contrary to Iran’s rights as a member of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). Iravani asserted that the US is not genuinely pursuing fair negotiations, instead seeking to impose its predetermined intentions on Iran.

The negotiations to revive the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) have been stalled since June, when the US and Israel launched coordinated attacks on Iran’s Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear sites. The US and Israel described the attacks as preemptive strikes aimed at halting Tehran’s progress toward developing a nuclear bomb, while Iranian authorities maintain that their nuclear program is purely peaceful.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has stated that Tehran will rebuild its damaged nuclear sites with “great strength,” while Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has emphasized that Iran cannot stop uranium enrichment. The US has warned that it could launch renewed strikes if Iran restarts its nuclear sites, with President Donald Trump previously cautioning that such actions would be taken if necessary.

The standoff between the US and Iran has significant implications for regional and global security, with the international community closely monitoring developments in the negotiations. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether the US and Iran can reach a mutually acceptable agreement, or if the dispute will escalate further.