More Stories
As Tehran insists in nuclear talks on its right to enrich uranium, many Iranians wonder why this right that has cost us so much in terms of sanctions and squeezed livelihoods has been elevated over the lost ones we actually care about.
The slogan “nuclear energy is our absolute right” emerged in the early 2000s, as tensions over Iran’s program escalated and international pressure mounted. It was printed on official banners and chanted in state-sponsored rallies.
But it was never a grassroots demand.
“I want to throw up when I hear the phrase nuclear energy,” says Babak, a software engineer in his mid-forties. “Everyone I know feels the same—it reminds them of high prices and empty pockets.”
It’s easy to see that the grudge runs far deeper and wider than the nuclear program.
“This nuclear standoff has made the wall between us and the rest of the world much taller. Every time (Foreign Minister Abbas) Araghchi says ‘non-negotiable’, he triggers a collective trauma: the lives we’ve lost to his ilk’s stupid posturing.”
They showed some reason with the 2015 deal, Babak says, but it was all undone when President Donald Trump pulled the U.S. out.
The chants about nuclear rights died out with that agreement. The term ‘enrichment’ crawled back to technical reports where it belongs.
Now, amid talks with the United States, the government is reviving it, calling enrichment “a non-negotiable right of the Iranian nation.”
Pride, what pride?
But the message holds little weight for many Iranians who increasingly feel their interests and those of Iran’s rulers are mutually exclusive.
“How am I benefiting from this technology, this so-called right?” my neighbour Sonia asks as she breastfeeds her baby in stifling afternoon heat during the daily power cut.
“Isn't one supposed purpose of nuclear energy generating electricity? Why are we having more power cuts with every passing year, then? Why is the share of nuclear power in our grid a literal zero?”
Sonia’s questions are rarely, if ever, discussed in Iran’s media. The nuclear program is a source of national pride, we’re told, and not being proud of it is a crime.
The disconnect between rulers and ruled is nearly complete—so is the gap between official claims and lived experience.
“Their contempt for us people is unreal. And it’s matched by ours for them,” Sonia concludes, her baby now fast asleep. “It’s gotten to a point where many oppose a deal that might improve their lives, because it would benefit the Islamic Republic far more.”
It’s about them, not us
Not everyone is so antagonistic toward the government. Some—more among the older generations, in my experience—are equally critical of regional and world powers.
Retired chemistry teacher Kazem is one of them. He’s the only one of four friends playing chess in the park who is willing to talk to me.
“The Americans first said low-level enrichment would be ok,” he says, “but then changed their position to ‘zero enrichment’, perhaps under pressure from hawks or (Israeli prime minister) Netanyahu.”
“I dislike most of what the government does, but on this one I think it’s the others in Europe and America who are being unreasonable and blocking a potential path forward.”
Kazem’s friends shake their heads in disagreement. One murmurs something to the effect that no sane man believes a word that “this bunch”, Iranian officials, say.
The distrust, in my view, is at the heart of every position that most ordinary Iranians take in relation to those who rule the country.
“The idea of peaceful nuclear energy is a total lie. Yes, it does have many applications—in medicine, for example. But show me just one hospital that’s benefiting from what’s being done in Natanz and Fordow.”
Reza is a technician at a private hospital in Tehran. He says he agrees with the official line about nations’ right to peaceful nuclear energy.
“But this has nothing to do with the nation,” he says, voice rising. “It’s about them, (supreme leader) Khamenei, the (Revolutionary) Guards and the leeches sucking Iran dry and sending the riches to their brood in Canada.
“If it was about the nation, the nation would have been consulted about it. Has anybody ever asked you if you’d rather have centrifuges or a decent car?”
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in a phone call with his German counterpart Johann Wadephul on Monday discussed the ongoing Iran-US nuclear negotiations.
"Araghchi emphasized the importance of Europe's constructive role in the nuclear issue and expressed Iran's willingness to continue talks with the three European countries and the European Union," according to the Iranian foreign ministry's readout of the call.
Iran executed at least 157 people last month, the highest monthly figure this year, according to US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA).
Most were executed after being convicted of murder or drug-related offenses, while others faced charges such as rape or corruption on earth.
HRANA also reported the execution of political prisoner Pedram Madani on charges of allegedly spying for Israel, as well as a public hanging in Lorestan province.
Twelve new death sentences were issued in May, including for political prisoner Mohammad-Amin Mahdavi Shayesteh and poet Peyman Farah-Avar, whose charges stemmed from protest-related writings, the group said.
Iran will soon deliver its official response to the latest US proposal, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Monday in Cairo, adding that any agreement must uphold Iran’s nuclear rights.
“Our response to the US proposal will come soon. It will reflect the positions and principles of the Iranian people and safeguard their rights,” Araghchi said at a joint press conference with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty.
“Without respect for Iran’s right to enrichment, there will be no agreement,” he added.
Araghchi also warned European states against triggering the snapback mechanism. “I hope they do not make that mistake. It would be a wrong policy and would only worsen existing crises,” he said.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Monday that Tehran will not accept any nuclear agreement that strips the country of its right to peaceful nuclear technology, warning that negotiations will fail if Washington insists on limiting Iran’s enrichment capabilities.
Speaking in Cairo after meeting Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Grossi, Araghchi said: “If the United States seeks to deprive us of nuclear technology, there will definitely be no agreement.”
He emphasized that uranium enrichment is Iran’s right under international treaties.
“The International Atomic Energy Agency must remain a technical body and not be swayed by political pressure,” he added.
Last week, the IAEA said that Iran operated a covert nuclear program using undeclared material at three sites under investigation.
Araghchi’s comments come amid nuclear talks mediated by Oman.
Also on Monday, Reuters cited an unnamed Iranian diplomat as saying that Tehran is preparing to formally reject a recent US proposal, calling it “one-sided” and “a non-starter.”
The proposal, delivered on Saturday by Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi fails to address Tehran’s core demands—including recognition of its right to enrich uranium and the immediate lifting of US sanctions, according to Reuters.
“In this proposal, there is no change to the US position on enrichment, and no clarity on sanction relief,” the diplomat said.
He added that Iran’s nuclear negotiation committee, which reports to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, has assessed the proposal as incompatible with Iranian interests.
An Iranian official familiar with the matter was also cited by Iranian state-linked media as saying that Tehran does not view the latest US proposal in nuclear talks as a fair basis for agreement.
“The recent US proposal for a new nuclear deal with Iran is unacceptable,” the unnamed source was quoted as saying. “It cannot serve as a fair foundation for any potential compromise.”
Iran has consistently said that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes. However, Western powers have accused Tehran of seeking nuclear weapons capabilities—allegations Iran denies.
Iran is the only non-nuclear weapon state enriching uranium to 60% U-235. The IAEA has consistently maintained that there is no credible civilian use for uranium enriched to this level, which is a short technical step from weapons-grade 90% fissile material.
Iran's stockpile of 60% enriched uranium had increased to 275 kg, enough to theoretically make about half a dozen weapons if Iran further enriches the uranium.
Two Iranian officials told Reuters last week that Iran might consider pausing enrichment if the US unfreezes Iranian assets and acknowledges Iran’s civilian enrichment rights as part of a broader political understanding.
Last month, Khamenei said there will be no concessions on enrichment. "Saying things like 'we won’t allow Iran to enrich uranium' is way out of line. No one is waiting for anyone’s permission," he said. "The Islamic Republic has its own policy, its own approach, and it will continue to pursue it."
