Iran warns it may end nuclear talks over UK envoy’s uranium stance

Iran threatens to end nuclear talks after UK envoy backs ‘zero enrichment’ policy

Remarks by Peter Mandelson spark diplomatic tension over Iran’s nuclear program

Iran has issued a stark warning that it may withdraw entirely from nuclear negotiations with European powers, after a UK official appeared to endorse a zero-tolerance stance on uranium enrichment.

The threat came in response to comments made by Peter Mandelson, the UK ambassador to Washington, during an appearance at the Atlantic Council. Mandelson expressed strong support for US efforts to eliminate Iran’s enrichment capabilities, which Tehran insists are non-negotiable and guaranteed under international agreements.

Tehran signals end of dialogue if UK backs US position

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reacted sharply to Mandelson’s remarks, stating on social media: “If the UK position is ‘zero enrichment’ in Iran, there is nothing left for us to discuss on the nuclear issue.”

He further emphasized that such a position violates both the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPoA) and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), both of which permit limited enrichment under stringent inspection regimes.

Speaking later during a diplomatic visit to Oman, Araghchi reiterated that continued European engagement in the talks hinges on clarification of their stance. “We’re not joking with anyone about enrichment,” he said.

Under the JCPoA, Iran is allowed to enrich uranium up to 3.75% purity — far below weapons-grade levels — provided international inspectors have access to facilities. However, following the US withdrawal from the agreement in 2018 under President Donald Trump, Iran escalated enrichment activities, bringing it closer to potential weapons capabilities.

Mandelson: Iran ‘more vulnerable than ever’

Lord Mandelson had remarked that Iran “has never been in a weaker state” due to mounting sanctions and growing internal dissent. He endorsed the US-led diplomatic strategy spearheaded by Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, stating: “Britain strongly supports the president’s initiative in negotiating away these enrichment and related facilities in Iran.”

The statement, though possibly unscripted, triggered swift backlash in Tehran and raised questions over whether it signaled a shift in UK foreign policy.

UK insists its Iran stance remains unchanged

The British Foreign Office, responding to inquiries, maintained that the UK’s position remains focused on diplomacy: “We remain committed to taking every diplomatic step to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, including through snapback [of sanctions] if necessary.”

Officials stressed that Britain continues to support a negotiated resolution, urging Iran to consider US diplomatic overtures to restore stability in the Middle East.

Despite the escalating rhetoric, Iran has floated a potential breakthrough — a move that echoes broader efforts at diplomatic de-escalation in the region, such as those seen in the recent UK legislative response to regional threats..

Interim deal under discussion

Among the proposals under consideration is a limited agreement where Iran would reduce enrichment levels and move enriched uranium stockpiles to a neutral third country, such as Russia. In return, the US could ease certain economic sanctions, while full inspection access would be reinstated.

Although the UK, France, and Germany remain signatories of the JCPoA, their influence in recent rounds of diplomacy has diminished, as Washington assumes the lead. Iran last briefed European representatives in Geneva two weeks ago, but no official statements have followed.

Meanwhile, senior Israeli and US intelligence figures continue to coordinate on the matter, underscoring the wider geopolitical stakes involved.

As tensions rise, the future of nuclear diplomacy with Iran may hinge not only on technical compromises but also on the clarity — or ambiguity — of key Western figures’ public messaging.

Stay tuned to The Horizons Times for updates on Middle East diplomacy and global nuclear security developments.