Iran rejects US demand to dismantle nuclear facilities amid revived talks in Oman
Tehran: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described indirect nuclear negotiations with the United States in Oman as “much more serious and frank,” even as President Masoud Pezeshkian categorically rejected Washington’s demand for Tehran to dismantle its nuclear infrastructure.
The ongoing talks, facilitated by Oman and held in Muscat, are part of renewed efforts to revive the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which the US unilaterally exited in 2018 during former President Donald Trump’s administration. Since then, Iran has gradually reduced its compliance with the deal.
Speaking to Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB after the fourth round of negotiations, Araghchi said the discussions had progressed from general outlines to more detailed proposals. “They are forward-moving, but the issues have become more complex,” he noted. Both delegations have agreed to continue the dialogue.
The latest session lasted nearly three hours and followed earlier meetings in Muscat on April 12 and 26, and in Rome on April 19.
However, the diplomatic progress was tempered by President Pezeshkian’s firm rejection of US demands. “This is unacceptable. Iran will not relinquish its peaceful nuclear rights,” he stated, reaffirming that the country’s nuclear program is intended for civilian applications only. He also cited a religious fatwa by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, which prohibits the development of nuclear weapons.
Ahead of the Muscat talks, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff had reiterated demands for Iran to completely dismantle nuclear facilities at Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has also suggested Iran import enriched uranium instead of producing it domestically.
President Pezeshkian defended Iran’s nuclear activities, calling them vital for peaceful industries such as medicine, agriculture, and energy. “We are serious in the negotiations and seek an agreement. We hold talks because we want peace,” he added, emphasising Tehran’s commitment to regional stability and dialogue.
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Second PUC results: Life convict clears exam with distinction, DGP lauds effort
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Bengaluru: A life convict lodged in Ballari Central Prison has successfully cleared the second PUC examination.
Ashok Kumar S, who appeared for the examination under prison escort, secured 481 marks out of 600, registering 80.1 percent.
Director General of Police (Prisons and Correctional Services), Alok Kumar (IPS), shared the development on his official ‘X’ handle, commending the inmate’s achievement.
In his post, he stated that it was heartening to see a life convict score over 80 percent in the examination, adding that the inmate had appeared from Ballari Central Prison under escort.
It’s heartening to see that one of our life convict prisoners Ashok has obtained 80.1% marks in PUC exam. He appeared under Prison escort from Ballari Central Prison for his exams.
— alok kumar (@alokkumar6994) April 9, 2026
Glad to see that Walls of the prison has not subdued his hopes for a better future. pic.twitter.com/Nzlcy076SR
He further noted that the achievement reflected that the “walls of the prison have not subdued his hopes for a better future.”
Alok Kumar in his post also shared the result sheet of Ashok.
The Karnataka School Examination and Assessment Board (KSEAB) declared the second PUC results for 2026 on April 9.
A total of 6,32,200 students appeared for the examination across all streams, of whom 5,46,698 passed, recording an overall pass percentage of 86.48 per cent.
