Iran’s foreign minister said Tehran will continue enriching uranium at higher levels, rejecting fresh Western sanctions and pressure over the country’s nuclear program. The remarks, carried by state media, signal that the Islamic Republic is not backing away from its enrichment policy despite mounting international criticism.

According to Reuters, the minister described the new sanctions as unacceptable interference in Iran’s nuclear affairs. The statement adds to long-running tensions between Tehran and Western governments, which have repeatedly raised concerns about the scope and pace of Iran’s nuclear activity.

The latest comments come as diplomacy over Iran’s nuclear program remains stalled. Western officials have sought to curb enrichment levels and push Tehran back into compliance with broader limits, while Iranian officials have continued to frame outside pressure as illegitimate.

For many Iranians, the standoff carries a domestic cost as well, with sanctions, isolation, and mismanagement contributing to economic strain. The nuclear dispute remains one of the most consequential flashpoints in Iran’s confrontation with the West.