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US Demands Iran Walk Away from Uranium Enrichment and Missile Development: Rubio
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio demands Iran halt uranium enrichment and missile development, as nuclear talks face setbacks.
ND
by News Desk
2025-05-02
US Demands Iran Walk Away from Uranium Enrichment and Missile Development: Rubio

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio made firm statements on Thursday, urging Iran to abandon its controversial nuclear and missile programs, as critical nuclear talks between the two nations faced a setback with the postponement of the fourth round of discussions.

Speaking during an interview on Fox News, Rubio emphasized that for any agreement to be reached, Iran would need to make significant concessions, including halting its uranium enrichment and abandoning its long-range missile program. These missiles, according to the US, have no purpose other than to carry nuclear warheads, further escalating tensions.

“They have to walk away from sponsoring terrorists, they have to walk away from helping the Houthis in Yemen, they have to walk away from building long-range missiles that have no purpose to exist other than having nuclear weapons, and they have to walk away from enrichment,” Rubio stated. These comments underline the key remaining divisions in the ongoing US-Iran nuclear talks.

Iran’s Response:

Iran has remained adamant in its refusal to halt its missile program or its uranium enrichment activities. The process of uranium enrichment, which can be used for both nuclear power and the creation of nuclear warheads, remains a central issue in the nuclear dispute. Despite US demands, Iran insists that it has the right to enrich uranium for peaceful nuclear purposes under the terms of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

In response to the latest developments, a senior Iranian official revealed that the fourth round of talks scheduled to take place in Rome on Saturday had been postponed. The official stated that a new date for the talks would be set based on the US approach and their willingness to compromise on key issues.

US Concerns:

Rubio highlighted the potential risks posed by Iran’s ability to enrich uranium, noting that even low-level enrichment, such as at 3.67 percent, could quickly escalate to weapons-grade levels, stating, “If you have the ability to enrich at 3.67 percent, it only takes a few weeks to get to 20pc, then 60pc, and then the 80 and 90pc that you need for a weapon.”

Call for International Inspections:

Further complicating matters, Rubio insisted that American inspectors should be allowed access to Iran’s nuclear facilities, including military sites, in order to verify compliance with any potential agreement. He emphasized the necessity of unfettered access for inspectors to ensure that Iran is not advancing its nuclear capabilities clandestinely.

Iran’s Denial of Nuclear Weapons Ambitions:

Iran, however, continues to assert that it does not seek to build a nuclear weapon. In its defense, Iran’s leadership claims its nuclear program is purely for civilian purposes, including the generation of nuclear energy.

The Future of US-Iran Talks:

With the nuclear talks now facing a delay, the US-Iran nuclear dispute remains unresolved. The next steps will depend heavily on whether Iran is willing to make the necessary concessions that the US and its allies demand, particularly regarding missile development and uranium enrichment.

 
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MarcoRubio

USIranTensions

IranNuclearProgram

NonProliferationTreaty
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