Pezeshkian challenges Trump as Iran rejects compromise on nuclear program

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Saturday that Iran will not abandon its peaceful nuclear program despite U.S. demands, rejecting it as a precondition for further negotiations.

“We will not compromise on uranium enrichment,” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said, though he noted Tehran was willing to adjust enrichment levels to build trust with Washington.

The fourth round of indirect talks between Iran and the United States was held in Muscat amid warnings from the White House. U.S. envoy Steven Witkoff said Washington would walk away if Sunday’s talks yield no results.

An unnamed Iranian official told CNN the talks were seen as “a trap” and part of a “political game,” and that Iran is preparing for possible failure of the negotiations.

Donald Trump, in his second term as U.S. president, has pushed for a new nuclear deal but warned in March that Iran could face military strikes if no agreement is reached within two months.