Iran will “under no circumstances ever develop a nuclear weapon” – but it also will not relinquish its right to civilian nuclear technology, the country’s foreign minister has said ahead of the resumption of negotiations with the United States. The proposal is expected to be a revised response to US positions rather than a new plan, and Iran would expect sanctions relief in exchange, the source said. Iran has long insisted its nuclear program is intended for peaceful purposes only and has previously said it does not intend to produce a weapon. Western governments suspect its civilian program is being used as a cover, and have sought guarantees from Tehran to prove its intent. The US and Iran have had two rounds of indirect talks in Oman and Switzerland, with a third round expected Thursday.

Source: CNN February 24, 2026 14:31 UTC