Tehran denies US request to inspect military sites, rejects talk of enrichment freeze

Iran’s foreign ministry said uranium enrichment must be preserved as a core part of its nuclear program and warned against any expectation of compromise.

“Enrichment is an inseparable part of Iran’s nuclear industry and must be maintained. We are in no way permitted to show even the slightest flexibility on this issue,” spokesman Esmail Baghaei said Monday.

He added that if the US aim is simply to ensure Iran’s program remains non-military, that has already been achieved. “But if the goal is to deprive Iran of its rights, we do not believe this process will reach any outcome,” he said.

Foreign ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said Monday that no date or venue has been set for the next round of nuclear negotiations the United States.

“The time and place for the next talks have not yet been determined,” he said.

Baghaei added that, as in the past, Oman will announce the details in coordination with Iran and the US once a consensus is reached.

He also said that Oman, acting as facilitator, offers its views wherever it sees an opportunity to help advance the process.

Foreign ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said Tehran is prepared to engage in dialogue with European parties but noted that the timing and location still need to be finalized.

“We are ready for talks with Europe, but the time and place must be decided,” he said Monday.

“We invite European countries to adopt a constructive approach.”

Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman said many recent reports about the nuclear talks are part of a coordinated effort by Israel to derail diplomacy.

“Much of the disinformation is coming from sources linked to the Zionist regime, aimed deliberately at undermining the negotiations,” Esmail Baghaei said Monday.

He also confirmed that a deputy to IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi will visit Tehran this week for meetings with officials from Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization. Baghaei added that Iran expects the agency’s upcoming report to be “carried out free from political pressure.”

Iran’s foreign ministry dismissed reports that US envoy Steve Witkoff abruptly left the recent nuclear talks, calling the issue unworthy of serious attention. “This isn’t something worth spending time on—it’s part of media theatrics,” spokesman Esmail Baghaei said Monday.

He added that the schedule was clear from the start. “It was known when the talks would begin and when they would end. It’s natural that each side has other commitments,” he said.

Baghaei explained that Iran concluded its part of the meeting as planned and held a 20-minute follow-up with Oman’s foreign minister on the next steps.