Daijiworld Media Network - Tehran

Tehran, Aug 5: Iran has expressed a willingness to consider new diplomatic proposals aimed at resolving its long-running nuclear dispute—but only if they guarantee the country’s right to enrich uranium on its own soil, Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said on Monday.

Speaking at a weekly press conference, Baghaei emphasized that uranium enrichment remains a non-negotiable sovereign right under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), and any international offer must respect that principle to be taken seriously.

“We have always stressed that the issue of uranium enrichment in Iran, as an inseparable part of the country's rights within the framework of the Non-Proliferation Treaty, is of very high importance,” he said. “Any proposal capable of guaranteeing this important component will be worth considering.”

His remarks come amid rising diplomatic tensions following a dramatic escalation in regional conflict. On June 13, Israeli airstrikes hit multiple locations in Iran, including nuclear and military targets. The United States followed up with its own airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities on June 22. A ceasefire between Iran and Israel was eventually reached on June 24, ending 12 days of direct military confrontation.

Baghaei made it clear that the context for any future Iran–US negotiations has shifted significantly. He said a key demand from Tehran is holding Washington accountable for what Iran describes as "military aggression against its peaceful nuclear infrastructure", and that compensation for the damage will be central to any talks.

This comes as Washington continues to push Iran to fully halt uranium enrichment, a demand that Tehran has categorically rejected in recent days.

In a separate development, Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) on Sunday approved the formation of a new Defence Council, to be headed by President Masoud Pezeshkian, according to SNSC-affiliated Nour News. The new body will centrally review national defence plans and oversee the modernization of Iran’s armed forces. Its membership includes the heads of all three branches of government, senior military officials, and key ministers.

Further changes may also be on the horizon. In a social media post, Nour News hinted at imminent leadership changes within top-tier national security institutions, citing "structural reforms" and "prepared ground" for organizational shifts.

As Iran signals openness to dialogue, it remains firm on the terms: any resolution must safeguard its nuclear rights, ensure accountability for recent attacks, and support the nation’s strategic security architecture.