Iran Says U.S. Has Not Asked It to Stop Enriching Uranium

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by Pranav Baskar

February 20, 2026

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Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, has claimed that the United States did not request Iran to cease its uranium enrichment during nuclear talks in Switzerland this week. This statement directly contradicts the Trump administration’s public stance, which has repeatedly demanded that Iran completely abandon its nuclear program, including all enrichment activities. Araghchi made the claim during an interview on the MS NOW show “Morning Joe,” asserting that the U.S. had not raised the issue of suspension or zero enrichment during negotiations. According to reports from The New York Times, Iranian and U.S. officials indirectly held discussions in Geneva through Omani intermediaries earlier this week. Three Iranian officials familiar with the talks suggested that Iran was considering a temporary suspension of nuclear enrichment for three to five years—a period aligning with President Trump’s term—alongside plans to join a regional group for civilian-grade uranium enrichment. In exchange, Iran has reportedly demanded the lifting of U.S. financial sanctions, banking restrictions, and oil embargoes. The White House swiftly refuted Araghchi’s claims, with a spokesperson emphasizing that President Trump has been clear in his demands: Iran must not possess the capacity to enrich uranium or develop nuclear weapons. The administration views this as a critical red line, given concerns that enrichment capabilities could be used to produce materials for nuclear weapons. Trump has also indicated that he is considering a limited military strike against Iran, underscoring the potential escalation of tensions over the nuclear issue. The dispute over uranium enrichment capacity has long been a central point of contention in efforts to contain Iran’s nuclear program. According to the Institute for Science and International Security, even low-level enriched uranium could be weaponized within months, depending on Tehran’s centrifuge capabilities. This makes the issue particularly sensitive, as it relates not only to Iran’s current activities but also to its potential future actions. The talks in Switzerland highlight the delicate balance of diplomacy and brinkmanship between Iran and the U.S. While Araghchi’s comments challenge Washington’s narrative, they also signal that Iran may be open to discussions about confidence-building measures

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Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/20/2026