Iran oil exports will continue despite US naval presence, lawmaker says

J.K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter series, offered condolences for Sina Ashkbousi, an Iranian protester killed during the country’s uprising, in a brief message posted on X.

“My deepest condolences to all who loved him. Rest in peace, Sina Ashkbousi,” Rowling wrote, resharing images of Ashkbousi.

According to the post, Ashkbousi “was a true Harry Potter fan, the kind who believed in magic because the world needed it.”

Mohammad Eslami, head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization, said Tehran could consider diluting its stockpile of uranium enriched to 60% if all sanctions were lifted in return, state media reported.

Eslami said the issue “depends on whether they lift all sanctions or not,” adding that any such step would be tied to guarantees on Iran’s rights.

“The export of uranium is not on the agenda,” he said, adding that suggestions attributed to other countries were “speculation” circulating in media content produced by pressure groups.

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran is open to “equal and win-win” negotiations, calling the new round of nuclear talks a chance for a fair settlement if all sides avoid excessive demands.

“We are seeking guarantees for our rights on lifting unjust sanctions,” Pezeshkian said, adding that Iran believes “interaction and dialogue are the only way” to address regional and global challenges.

He added that the talks, backed by neighboring countries, offered an opportunity to resolve issues “logically” provided both sides remain committed.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Monday that Tehran was seeking “real negotiations” aimed at reaching results, but said progress depended on seriousness from the other side.

“We are very serious in the negotiations and are looking for real talks to reach results, provided the other side also shows seriousness and readiness for outcome-oriented negotiations,” Araghchi said.

He said a lack of trust toward Washington remained a major obstacle, adding that “a wall of distrust toward the United States exists, caused by America’s own behavior.”

Araghchi said Iran hoped trust could still be built. “We hope the necessary confidence can be created so that negotiations can lead to a result,” he said.

Speaking to foreign diplomats based in Tehran, Araghchi expressed regret over difficulties, including the internet shutdown, adding that, “I assure you that all of these was for your own safety and the safety of the people of Iran.”

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei released a video message calling on people to take part in rallies marking 22 Bahman, the February 11 anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

In the message, published on Monday, Khamenei said that “today the Iranian nation shows itself through marches in the streets,” despite the anniversary falling on Wednesday, language Iranian state media often uses in advance to frame turnout for the event.

He urged participation as a show of national resolve, saying strength came from public will and unity rather than military power.

“National power has less to do with missiles and aircraft than with the will of nations and their resilience. You showed resilience, and you showed your will. You must show it again in other moments as well,” he said.

The message came a day after Khamenei skipped the annual February 8 meeting with air force commanders for the first time in 37 years, breaking a long-standing tradition amid heightened tensions with the United States.