Dubai, Feb 8, 2026 — Iran said recognition of its right to enrich uranium is essential for nuclear talks with the United States to make progress, Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on Sunday, as indirect diplomatic contacts resume amid heightened regional tensions.

Speaking after recent talks mediated by Oman, Araqchi said Iran would not accept a “zero enrichment” demand and that any agreement must allow uranium enrichment inside the country while providing assurances that the programme remains limited to peaceful purposes. The issue has long been a central obstacle in efforts to revive nuclear diplomacy between Tehran and Washington.

According to officials, American and Iranian diplomats held indirect discussions in Oman on Friday, aimed at restarting dialogue after negotiations stalled last year. The renewed engagement comes against the backdrop of a US naval buildup near Iran and warnings from Tehran that it would respond forcefully to any attack.

Iran calls Oman talks with US a ‘good start’, says negotiations will continue

Iran and the US held five rounds of nuclear talks in 2025, which failed to reach agreement largely due to disputes over enrichment activities on Iranian soil. In June, the US carried out strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities following a 12-day Israeli bombing campaign. Tehran later said it had halted enrichment activity, a move the US has viewed with caution due to concerns over potential weapons development.

Iran maintains that its nuclear programme is strictly civilian. A regional diplomat briefed on the matter told Reuters that Tehran is open to discussing limits on the level and purity of enrichment, as well as other confidence-building measures, provided it retains the right to enrich uranium domestically and receives sanctions relief alongside steps to reduce military tensions.

Araqchi said Iran’s position on enrichment is tied to national sovereignty and independence, adding that the country’s missile programme is not part of the nuclear negotiations. President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a social media post that the latest talks represented a step forward and stressed Iran’s demand that its rights under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty be respected.

Officials said the timing and location of the next round of talks would be decided in consultation with Oman, and may not necessarily take place in Muscat.