Iran Says It Will Not Accept Any Deal Halting Nuclear Enrichment or Missile Program
- Feb 11
- 3 min read
Source: Defense News
MUSCAT, Oman : The United States has informed Iran that it expects substantive concessions on nuclear energy and related issues at the next round of negotiations scheduled to continue in Oman, according to officials familiar with the discussions. The message reflects a hardened position by the administration of Donald Trump as indirect talks resume following a period of heightened regional tension.
The renewed diplomatic engagement began with an initial meeting in Muscat on Friday, February 6, 2026, marking the first diplomatic contact between Washington and Tehran since a 12-day regional conflict in June last year. U.S. officials described the opening session as focused on procedural issues and the establishment of a framework for continued dialogue, while acknowledging that major policy differences remain unresolved.
U.S. Position and Expectations
According to U.S. officials, the administration has conveyed that progress will depend on what it describes as “meaningful substance” from Iran, particularly with regard to the scope, limits, and verification of its nuclear activities. While specific demands were not detailed publicly, officials stressed that the United States remains cautious based on what it views as a long history of Iranian commitments that were not fully implemented.
One senior U.S. official said the administration continues to question the reliability of assurances from Tehran, citing past experiences in previous negotiations. The official added that any actions threatening U.S. sovereignty or the safety of American citizens would prompt a forceful response, reinforcing that military deterrence remains part of U.S. policy alongside diplomatic engagement.
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Iranian Red Lines
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated on Sunday that Tehran would reject any agreement requiring Iran to suspend uranium enrichment or dismantle its missile program. Speaking at a forum in Tehran, Araghchi described uranium enrichment as an inherent national right and emphasized that Iran’s missile capabilities are defensive and non-negotiable.
He said discussions should instead center on arrangements allowing enrichment to continue, paired with assurances that the program is used exclusively for peaceful purposes. Araghchi also reiterated that Iran’s regional activities and alliances are not part of the negotiating agenda.
Structure of the Talks
The Muscat meeting was conducted indirectly, with U.S. and Iranian delegations communicating through intermediaries. The U.S. delegation included Middle East special envoy Steve Witkoff, senior adviser Jared Kushner, and U.S. Central Command Commander Adm. Brad Cooper. The Iranian delegation was led by Araghchi.
Officials familiar with the discussions said the initial session focused on setting parameters for future meetings rather than negotiating specific technical provisions. Both sides agreed to continue talks in Oman, though no formal schedule for subsequent rounds has been announced.
Regional Context and Israel’s Position
The negotiations coincide with parallel diplomatic activity involving Israel. Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to meet President Trump at the White House later this week. Israeli officials have reiterated that any agreement with Iran must ensure that Tehran is prevented from acquiring a nuclear weapon, include strict constraints on ballistic missile development, and address Iran’s regional influence.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said during a meeting with Paraguay’s foreign minister that Iran’s long-range missile capabilities now extend beyond the Middle East, arguing that the issue has implications for parts of Europe.
Military Posture
Diplomatic engagement has continued alongside visible military activity in the region. On Saturday, Witkoff and Kushner visited the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier operating in the Arabian Sea. U.S. officials said the visit underscored continued U.S. military presence while negotiations proceed.
In Iran, Army Commander Maj.-Gen. Amir Hatami said on Sunday that the Iranian Air Force remains at a high level of readiness. He noted that the presence of U.S. naval forces in nearby waters is longstanding, but said Iranian forces are monitoring developments closely and are prepared to respond to any actions they consider hostile.
