Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi reaffirmed his country's right to enrich uranium amid ongoing controversy surrounding a recently proposed Middle East deal. Speaking Sunday, Raisi emphasized that Iran would “never back down” from its uranium enrichment program, a statement reported by Iranian state media. He added that opposing parties would ultimately have to accept this position.

The declaration comes as negotiations continue to address tensions in the region following a series of U.S. military strikes on Iranian nuclear sites over the past year. The agreement under discussion aims, in part, to ease hostilities involving commercial navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic oil passageway. Under the current terms, commercial vessels may transit the strait for 60 days without fees, though Iran reserves the right to impose charges afterward.

U.S. officials, including Vice President JD Vance and senior advisers Jared Kushner and Witkoff, have taken leading roles in the talks held at the Bürgenstock Resort in Obbuergen, Switzerland. Vance is expected to remain in Switzerland briefly as detailed negotiations proceed. The involvement of these figures—particularly Vance, who is contemplating a 2028 presidential run—has drawn scrutiny from elements within their own Republican Party. Critics have compared the proposed deal unfavorably to the 2015 nuclear agreement brokered during the Obama administration, which they argue failed to fully halt Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

Former President Donald Trump, in a phone interview broadcast on Fox News, warned Raisi to “watch what he says” and threatened potential military intervention, stating the U.S. could take over Iran if necessary. Trump also announced plans to impose U.S. tolls on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz if no agreement is reached within 60 days, framing this as compensation for “services rendered as the Guardian Angel to the countries of the Middle East.”

The Trump administration has simultaneously sought to calm global markets amid concerns about disruptions to oil supplies. After the deal’s announcement, oil futures fell nearly 8%, reflecting initial easing of price pressures. U.S. consumers, facing higher gasoline prices ahead of the summer travel season, are expected to closely monitor ongoing developments.

Negotiators from various countries, including Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and other representatives, are engaged in high-level discussions aimed at halting conflict and stabilizing the region. Observers remain attentive to the evolving diplomacy as it unfolds in the coming days.