Iran Refuses to Back Down on Uranium Enrichment and Hormuz Control

Citizens in Tehran pass by a large anti-U.S. billboard featuring President Donald Trump and the Strait of Hormuz. [Photo=EPA·Yonhap]

Iran's top security official has stated that the country will not compromise on key demands, including its right to uranium enrichment and control over the Strait of Hormuz, in negotiations with the United States.

On May 28, Ebrahim Azizi, chairman of the Iranian Parliament's National Security Committee, posted on social media platform X, asserting, "Iran will not back down from its red lines regarding uranium enrichment rights, possession of enriched uranium, control over the Strait of Hormuz, and the lifting of sanctions."

Azizi also criticized President Donald Trump, claiming that Trump oscillates between threatening Iran and begging for a deal to escape the strategic deadlock created by U.S.-Iran negotiations.

Earlier, on May 27, Trump stated during a cabinet meeting that the Strait of Hormuz should not be controlled by any specific country and that the U.S. would monitor the situation. When asked if he would accept a proposal for China or Russia to handle Iran's highly enriched uranium, he responded, "No. That would make me uncomfortable."

Regarding negotiations with Iran, Trump remarked, "Iran wants a deal very badly," but added, "So far, we have not reached a level that satisfies us." He emphasized, "We will be satisfied. If not, we will have to end things."

* This article has been translated by AI.

Hwang Jin Hyun jinhyun97@ajunews.com