Addressing the media, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei insisted that options such as shipping material out of the country were “unacceptable,” adding that dilution inside Iran remains the only possible alternative under discussion.

“The unacceptable option for us is the transfer of enriched nuclear material abroad,” he said, according to Iranian media.

The comments come as Tehran and Washington begin implementing a 14-point MoU that ended months of conflict and military operations, including in Lebanon, and launched a 60-day negotiation window on nuclear issues and sanctions relief.

Explaining Iran’s position on the US-Iran memorandum of understanding (MoU), the spokesperson warned that implementation will be more difficult than signing the agreement.

Baqaei said the agreement, signed digitally by both sides, has now been formally finalised and stressed that it carries the approval of the highest political leadership in both countries to ensure compliance.

He said the decision to have the deal signed by top leaders rather than lower-level officials was deliberate, arguing it would raise the political cost of any violation.

The spokesperson also confirmed that no signing ceremony will take place in Switzerland, adding that the Iranian delegation’s presence at follow-up talks remains under discussion.

According to Baqaei, the delay between the agreement’s finalisation and its publication was due to diplomatic procedures and coordination with mediators.

He said the MoU was signed in both English and Persian to prevent ambiguity, stressing that the Persian text is fully aligned with the English version.

Nuclear, sanctions at centre of talks

Baqaei said the agreement deliberately postponed nuclear negotiations to a later stage, prioritising an end to hostilities first.

“We are now entering a 60-day period to negotiate nuclear issues and sanctions relief,” he said, adding that the timeframe could be extended if necessary.

He stressed that Iran’s missile programme would not be part of any negotiations, saying: “Iran’s missiles are only for firing, not for negotiation.”

Sanctions relief, including oil exports and access to frozen assets, is already being implemented under the MoU, he said, adding that oil sales and financial transactions are expected to resume without restriction.

However, Baqaei warned that enforcement of the agreement would be strictly reciprocal.

“If the Americans falter in implementing their commitments, we will respond accordingly,” he said, adding that Iran would closely monitor US compliance and act without leniency.

Hormuz, Lebanon and regional provisions

The spokesperson confirmed that the agreement includes provisions on maritime security and the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran is working with Oman on a new management mechanism and intends to levy service fees for shipping after an initial toll-free period.

He also said the MoU addresses regional issues, including Lebanon, and warned that any continued Israeli military activity there could be considered a violation of US commitments under the agreement.

Baqaei said Iran does not separate US policy from Israeli actions, arguing that Washington bears responsibility for ensuring compliance by its allies.

Implementation challenges ahead

While defending the agreement as a diplomatic achievement backed by military strength and national resilience, Baqaei cautioned that implementation will be significantly more difficult than reaching the deal itself.

“The real challenge begins now,” he said, warning that Iran’s experience in past negotiations has made it cautious and determined to enforce strict compliance.

He described Iran as a “wounded lion, but still a lion,” saying the conflict had strengthened the country militarily and diplomatically.