Iran needs to completely cease all uranium enrichment activities, according to Rubio
Tehran has consistently stated that it will not abandon its missile program or uranium enrichment activities
Discussions in Rome have been postponed while awaiting a diplomatic initiative from the US.
Rubio cautions that enrichment could facilitate swift weaponization.
Iran refutes claims of seeking a nuclear weapons program.
On Thursday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Iran must “move away” from uranium enrichment and long-range missile development, and it should permit American inspectors to access its facilities. His remarks came as a new round of nuclear negotiations was delayed.
Rubio’s statements highlight the significant ongoing divisions in discussions between the two nations regarding Iran’s nuclear program, which has been a prolonged source of contention. President Donald Trump has warned of potential military action against Iran if an agreement is not reached.
“They need to cease their sponsorship of terrorists, stop supporting the Houthis in Yemen, abandon the construction of long-range missiles that exist solely for the purpose of developing nuclear weapons, and discontinue their enrichment activities,” Rubio stated during a Fox News interview.
Iran has consistently asserted that it will not relinquish its missile program or its uranium enrichment efforts— a process that produces fuel for nuclear power plants but can also generate material suitable for an atomic warhead.
On Thursday, a high-ranking Iranian official informed Reuters that the fourth round of talks scheduled for Saturday in Rome has been postponed, with a new date to be determined “depending on the US approach.”
Rubio suggested that instead of enriching uranium to any level, Iran should import enriched uranium for its nuclear power program. He warned, “Once you have the capacity to enrich at 3.67%, it only takes a few weeks to reach 20%, and then on to 60%, and ultimately the 80% and 90% needed for a weapon.
” Iran maintains that it has the right to enrich uranium under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and denies any intention of developing a nuclear bomb. Rubio also emphasized that Iran would need to accept the involvement of Americans in any inspection regime, and that inspectors would require access to all facilities, including military sites.
