U.S. and Iran discuss nuclear talks in Switzerland amid Tehran's firm stance on enrichment

U.S. Vice President JD Vance said on Sunday that negotiations in Switzerland could lead to a transformation of the relationship between Washington and Tehran. Iranian officials, however, reiterated that they are not seeking a friendly settlement and are focused on securing financial benefits from any agreement.

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi (note: the article refers to the president) stated that the country will retain its right to enrich uranium, arguing that a deal could alleviate Iran’s economic difficulties by unlocking sanctioned funds. He added that Iran would provide assurances that it does not intend to develop nuclear weapons.

Abdollah Haji Sadeghi, the Supreme Leader’s representative to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, told Al-Jazeera that Iran’s primary option remains armed resistance and that the negotiations are not driven by desperation.

Iranian Foreign Minister Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran is willing to commit in writing that it will not build a nuclear bomb, but will not relinquish its enrichment rights, expecting the United States to accept this position. He noted that enriched uranium is needed for civilian power plants.

According to Pezeshkian, a memorandum of understanding would allow the United States to cooperate with Iran on nuclear power development under United Nations supervision, without taking control of Iran’s uranium. The agreement would also provide substantial sanctions relief and financial assistance, with about $300 billion earmarked for reconstruction and an additional $6 billion from Qatar pending delivery.

The United States has indicated that any sanctions relief will be contingent on Iran’s compliance with the deal’s terms and that penalties could be re-imposed if obligations are not met.