Tehran students oppose US call for 'zero enrichment' in state-backed rally

"In a symbolic act of resistance against the Iranian regime's oppression, Jafar Panahi wins a Palme d'Or, reigniting hope for freedom fighters around the world," French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said on Saturday in a French post on his X account.

On Sunday, the Iranian Foreign Ministry's Director General for Western Europe Mohammad Tanhaei summoned the French envoy to convey Tehran’s strong protest against Barrot's statements.

"Tanhaei condemned his comments as a blatant interference in Iran’s internal affairs and labeled them as irresponsible and provocative," a Foreign Ministry statement said.

He also demanded an official explanation from the French Foreign Ministry.

Tanhaei criticized Paris for what he called the politicization of a cultural event, accusing the French government of misusing its role as host of a cinematic occasion to advance political agendas against Iran.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also called on French officials to "spare Iranians the lectures" on human rights.

"There have been many transgressions making a mockery of France's "human rights activism". But perhaps nothing has made the hypocrisy as stark as the French approach to the Israeli regime and its war crimes. Spare us Iranians the lectures. You have no moral authority whatsoever," he said in a post on X.

The French foreign minister's comments came after Panahi used his speech at the Cannes to call for unity among Iranians worldwide in their struggle for freedom at home.

Panahi, who has faced imprisonment and a nearly 15-year travel ban for his outspoken criticism of the Islamic Republic, received a standing ovation as Cate Blanchett presented the award.

In his acceptance speech, he urged unity among Iranians striving for democracy: "Let's set aside our differences. The important thing now is the freedom of our country, so that no one would dare to tell us what to wear or what film to make."

Panahi's remarks have earned him widespread praise from political, civic and cultural figures around the world.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said uranium enrichment is among the country's fundamental rights and that negotiations with the United States will only conclude once those rights are secured.

“The outcome of these negotiations will only be clear once the rights of the Iranian people are secured. Among these rights is enrichment, and our position on it is completely clear,” Araghchi said in remarks to state broadcaster IRIB on Sunday after briefing parliament’s national security committee.

Araghchi said that Iran welcomes the idea of a regional enrichment center but insists enrichment within Iran must continue. “We welcome the establishment of a regional enrichment center, but enrichment in Iran must continue,” Araghchi said.

He described media reports suggesting that talks could continue into the summer as speculation. “All of these are speculation. We are not in a hurry, and we are also not causing delays. Every hour that sanctions are lifted sooner, we will not hesitate — but not at the cost of the rights of the Iranian people.”

Iran will respond forcefully if Western powers move to restore UN sanctions, a parliamentary spokesman said after a closed-door briefing.

Ebrahim Rezaei, speaking for the National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, quoted Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi as saying, “If the snapback mechanism is activated, our reaction will be harsh.”

Araghchi, who led the recent round of talks with the US, said Tehran remains committed to diplomacy but will not negotiate under threat. He insisted uranium enrichment must continue inside Iran.

Several lawmakers criticized the talks as unproductive and said sanctions relief remains out of reach.

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Iran’s foreign ministry said no date or venue has been set for the next round of nuclear negotiations, dismissing media reports as speculation.

“The timing and location of the next talks have not been determined,” spokesman Baghai said in response to a question from IRNA.

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A prominent political figure in Tehran warned against walking away from nuclear negotiations, saying abandoning diplomacy would only benefit those profiting from sanctions.

“Iran must not leave the negotiating table. Those who flip it over are the ones who do not speak the language of diplomacy,” said Javad Emam in an interview with Etemad newspaper.

He called for transparency in the talks and argued that sanctions have fueled corruption and hardship for ordinary Iranians.

“Sanctions have filled the pockets of hardliners and profiteers, while bringing poverty, inflation, and rent-seeking to the people,” he added.

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