Iran FM Confirms Tehran Will Not Abandon Nuclear Enrichment

Iran has no intention of abandoning its nuclear programme, including uranium enrichment, despite the “severe” damage to its facilities caused by US airstrikes last month, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated on Monday.

In an interview with Fox News’ Special Report with Bret Baier, Araghchi confirmed that while enrichment operations are currently halted due to the extensive damage, Tehran remains committed to its nuclear capabilities, calling them a source of “national pride”.

The Iranian foreign minister emphasised that although enrichment is temporarily stopped, it is not a permanent cessation. He clarified that the decision was solely due to the current state of damage to the facilities, saying:

“Yes, damages are serious and severe, but obviously, we cannot give up enrichment because it is an achievement of our own scientists.”

Araghchi further stressed that any future nuclear deal would need to uphold Iran’s right to enrich uranium, indicating that the country’s nuclear ambitions will remain central to its policies moving forward.

Damage from US Strikes and Future of Iran’s Nuclear Programme

Iran’s nuclear programme sustained significant damage from US strikes on June 22, which targeted three nuclear facilities, including the Fordow underground uranium enrichment site located south of Tehran. These strikes were conducted in support of Israel’s 12-day military offensive, which aimed to curb Iran’s nuclear advancements.

In response to whether any enriched uranium had been preserved or lost in the strikes, Araghchi admitted that he lacked detailed information. However, he indicated that Iran’s Atomic Energy Organisation is in the process of assessing the full extent of the damage to both its facilities and enriched material.

US President Donald Trump responded to Araghchi’s remarks on his Truth Social platform, celebrating the success of the airstrikes. Trump claimed the strikes “completely destroyed” the targeted sites, adding that Washington would be prepared to conduct similar actions “if necessary”.

Araghchi, while acknowledging the destruction of certain facilities, reiterated that the technology and expertise behind Iran’s nuclear programme are indigenous to the country and cannot be easily obliterated. He stated:

“Yes, facilities have been destroyed. They are severely destroyed. But the technology is there, our nuclear programme, our enrichment programme, is not something imported from outside that can be destroyed by bombings.”

No Military Solution to the Dispute

Despite the significant damage to Iran’s nuclear facilities, Araghchi maintained that there is no military solution to the ongoing dispute regarding Iran’s nuclear programme. He reiterated Tehran’s stance that the programme is peaceful in nature, aligning with its broader regional goals.

Upcoming Nuclear Talks in Istanbul

Iran is preparing for new negotiations on its nuclear programme with European powers, with Germany, France, and the United Kingdom set to meet in Istanbul on Friday. Araghchi remarked that while the country remains “open to talks” regarding its nuclear programme, “direct talks with the United States” are not currently on the table.

He added that Iran would be willing to engage in any confidence-building measures necessary to prove that its nuclear programme is peaceful, particularly in exchange for a reduction in US sanctions.

Iran’s Missile Development Remains a Priority

While Iran’s nuclear programme remains at the forefront of international discussions, Araghchi also addressed the country’s missile development programme. Despite Israel’s repeated missile strikes on Iranian bases and missile launchers, the Iranian Foreign Minister confirmed that Iran would continue its missile development, saying:

“We still have a good number of missiles to defend ourselves.”

This statement highlights Iran’s continued investment in both nuclear and missile technologies as part of its broader strategy for regional security.

Health of Iran’s Supreme Leader

The Fox News interview also touched upon the health of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has been less visible in public since the escalation of tensions with Israel. Araghchi responded to questions regarding Khamenei’s health by affirming that the Supreme Leader is in “very good shape” and “in very good health”, having met with him earlier that day.

The ongoing tensions surrounding Iran’s nuclear programme and missile development continue to shape the geopolitical landscape in the Middle East. As Tehran prepares for future talks, it is clear that the nuclear issue will remain a central concern for both Iranian authorities and the international community.