Iran confirmed that the latest nuclear talks with the United States (US) will be held in Rome this Saturday.
The announcement was made after initial discussions that saw increased tension following the statement of the Head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, that Iran is now "not far" from being able to build a nuclear weapon.
According to Tehran, Iran is currently enriching uranium at a rate of up to 60%, close to weapons-grade level, and is not ready to accept any conditions that limit their rights in uranium enrichment.
Iran's chief negotiator, Abbas Araghchi, in his statement described the US demands as "contradictory and unrealistic", and stressed that any agreement can only be considered if it respects Iran's sovereign rights in its nuclear program.
At the same time, the US special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, announced that the Washington administration will only accept the "Trump deal", referring to a more strict and conditional approach towards Iran.
Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has reshuffled his administration, appointing moderate lawmaker Mohsen Ismaili as the new vice president to replace the person previously involved in the 2015 nuclear deal.
The move is seen as a possible signal of a change of strategy in the upcoming negotiations.
