Iran Defends Right to Nuclear Enrichment Amid US Warnings

Iran's atomic energy chief says 'no country can deprive Iran of the right' to nuclear enrichment, following fresh US warnings of potential strikes.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Iran's atomic energy chief, Mohammad Eslami, has stated that 'Iran's nuclear programme is proceeding according to the rules of the International Atomic Energy Agency, and no country can deprive Iran of the right to peacefully benefit from this technology.' This comes after White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt warned that there were 'many reasons and arguments that one could make for a strike against Iran', and former US President Donald Trump suggested the US might strike Iran if a deal is not reached.

Why it matters

The ongoing tensions between the US and Iran over Iran's nuclear program have escalated, with the US issuing fresh warnings of potential military action. This highlights the longstanding dispute between the two countries and the potential for further conflict if a diplomatic resolution is not reached.

The details

Iran and the US recently resumed indirect talks, mediated by Oman, to try to revive the 2015 nuclear deal. However, the talks have faced challenges, with the US demanding that Iran's ballistic missiles program and support for armed groups in the region be on the table, while Iran insists the discussions be limited to the nuclear issue. The US has been building up its military forces near Iran, including warships, fighter jets, and refueling aircraft, as a potential deterrent. Iran, meanwhile, has sought to display its own military might, with its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps holding war games in the Strait of Hormuz.

  • On Thursday, Iran's atomic energy chief, Mohammad Eslami, made the statement defending Iran's right to nuclear enrichment.
  • On Wednesday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt warned that there were 'many reasons and arguments that one could make for a strike against Iran'.
  • On Wednesday, former US President Donald Trump suggested the US might strike Iran if a deal is not reached.

The players

Mohammad Eslami

Iran's atomic energy chief who stated that 'Iran's nuclear programme is proceeding according to the rules of the International Atomic Energy Agency, and no country can deprive Iran of the right to peacefully benefit from this technology'.

Karoline Leavitt

The White House press secretary who warned that there were 'many reasons and arguments that one could make for a strike against Iran'.

Donald Trump

The former US President who suggested the US might strike Iran if a deal is not reached.

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What they’re saying

“Iran's nuclear programme is proceeding according to the rules of the International Atomic Energy Agency, and no country can deprive Iran of the right to peacefully benefit from this technology.”

— Mohammad Eslami, Iran's atomic energy chief (Iranian media)

“Iran would be very wise to make a deal with President Trump.”

— Karoline Leavitt, White House press secretary

“Do not want war”

— Masoud Pezeshkian, Iranian President

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.