Iran Rules Out Nuclear Concessions Despite Hormuz Proposal

Iran said Friday it will show no flexibility on its nuclear program even if the US accepts its proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which includes lifting the American naval blockade on Iranian ports. A senior Iranian official stated the waterway will remain closed until all Iranian conditions are met. The Iranian proposal, outlined by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, calls for ending hostilities on all fronts, including Lebanon, lifting US sanctions on Iranian oil exports, and releasing frozen assets within seven days. The proposal follows seven months of escalating conflict between Iran and the US, with Yemen's Houthi group launching attacks on Saudi Arabia. Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed hope for a deal before the November 3 US midterm elections. Tehran insists it will only discuss its nuclear program after US conditions are met, refusing to compromise on uranium enrichment or shipping its highly enriched uranium abroad. The IAEA estimated Iran held 440.9 kilograms of 60-percent enriched uranium before June 2025 attacks on its nuclear facilities.