Uranium enrichment ‘necessary’ for US ceasefire talks, says Iran nuclear chief

Tehran: Iran's nuclear agency, on Thursday, made it clear that any potential ceasefire talks with the United States must include recognition of its right to enrich uranium. It said that safeguarding the country's right to enrich uranium is “necessary”.

Mohammad Eslami, head of the Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran, said the issue remains a key sticking point in negotiations, accusing Washington of avoiding the subject.

“It is a part of the necessary (things) that nobody speaks about,” Eslami said, referring to the US refusal to acknowledge enrichment as part of Iran’s 10-point proposal for a lasting ceasefire.

He made the remarks while addressing journalists in Tehran during an event commemorating Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to the AP.

Iran and the United States are expected to hold talks in Islamabad later this week, with tensions over Tehran’s nuclear programme likely to dominate discussions.