Iran Says U.S. Has Not Asked It to Stop Enriching Uranium

New York Times - WorldCenter-LeftEN 3 min read 100% complete by Pranav BaskarFebruary 20, 2026 at 06:03 PM

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According to Iran's foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, the U.S. did not demand a halt to uranium enrichment during nuclear deal talks in Switzerland this week, contradicting the Trump administration's public stance. Araghchi stated Iran is developing confidence-building measures to ensure its nuclear program remains peaceful. However, a White House official disputed this, reiterating Trump's demand that Iran not have the capacity to enrich uranium or build nuclear weapons. While Iran reportedly offered to suspend enrichment for three to five years in exchange for sanctions relief, the U.S. has not confirmed this offer. The level of enrichment Washington is willing to permit remains a key point of contention.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Oman 30% Institute for Science and International Security 30% UN 40% Steve Witkoff 40% Geneva ×250% Washington ×260% Donald Trump ×470% Abbas Araghchi ×380% Iran ×1290% United States ×990%

Keywords

uranium enrichment 100% nuclear deal 90% u.s. - iran relations 80% negotiations 70% sanctions 60% nuclear program 60% confidence-building measures 50% military strike 50% abbas araghchi 40% trump administration 40%