Iran has publicly rejected a central U.S. demand to halt all uranium enrichment, saying it will pursue a dual-track strategy of guarded diplomacy and strengthened military preparedness amid stalled indirect talks with Washington over its nuclear programme.
In remarks on Monday, Iranian officials said the Islamic Republic will continue engaging in diplomatic channels while also maintaining deterrence capabilities, rejecting proposals that would require it to cease enrichment, a core part of its nuclear infrastructure. Tehran has previously insisted that its nuclear activities are peaceful and within its rights under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), while Washington and its allies have expressed concerns about possible pathways to weaponisation.
The recent exchange reflects a deadlock in indirect negotiations between Iran and the United States, which have been aimed at restoring compliance with earlier nuclear agreements and reducing regional tensions. U.S. policymakers have repeatedly called for stronger verification measures and limits on sensitive nuclear activities as part of any renewed deal, but Iranian leaders have signalled that absolute suspension of enrichment is unacceptable.
Instead, Iran’s leadership has emphasised a strategy that balances diplomatic engagement, including talks mediated by third parties, with continued investment in defence readiness and strategic deterrence. Officials contend that this approach protects national interests while keeping the door open for negotiations that respect Iran’s sovereignty and security concerns.
Analysts say the stalemate underscores the complexity of negotiating nuclear issues that are deeply tied to national identity, regional power dynamics and global security interests. The deadlock has persisted despite periodic shuttle diplomacy and efforts by European intermediaries to facilitate compromise between Tehran and Washington.
Iran’s insistence on maintaining its nuclear enrichment capacity highlights a key point of contention: whether Tehran will agree to limits that the U.S. regards as essential to confidence building and non-proliferation. For its part, Iran has expressed willingness to discuss transparency measures and enhanced inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), as long as its right to pursue enrichment for peaceful purposes is recognised.
The dual-track policy represents Tehran’s attempt to navigate between international pressure and domestic expectations that it safeguard national capabilities. Observers say that without significant movement on core negotiating positions, the impasse in talks is likely to continue, with implications for diplomatic relations and regional stability.
Both Tehran and Washington have reiterated their interest in dialogue, but each side has underscored preconditions that the other regards as unacceptable. While diplomatic channels remain open, there is no indication of a breakthrough in the near term, and the continuation of enrichment activities combined with reinforced defence messaging is likely to shape perceptions of Iran’s strategy on the international stage.
