Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, stated that Iran has no intention of abandoning its uranium enrichment program just before negotiations with European powers. He emphasized the importance of this program, saying, “We cannot give up enrichment because it is the result of our own scientists. And now, more than that, it is a matter of national pride.” This sentiment was expressed during an interview on Fox News.
Araghchi’s comments come amid claims that the enrichment of Iran’s uranium seems pointless if officials are to be believed, as they aren’t really pursuing the development of nuclear weapons. Yet Iran consistently disregards the United Nations and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), enriching uranium well beyond what is necessary for civilian use.
The IAEA accused Iran of violating its nuclear non-proliferation obligations on June 12, citing its refusal to fully cooperate with nuclear investigators and its stockpile of uranium nearing weapon-grade purity. This led to tensions, with the U.S. and Israel launching airstrikes targeting Iran’s uranium enrichment facilities.
Araghchi acknowledged that these airstrikes caused significant damage to three major Iranian facilities, explaining that the extent of the destruction is currently being assessed by nuclear energy organizations. “As far as I know, they’re suffering severe damage,” he noted during the interview.
He did not comment on the status of the existing stockpile of highly enriched uranium, estimated to be around 900 pounds. IAEA Director Rafael Grossi stated in late June that the inability to determine the location of Iran’s uranium stockpile indicates another violation of Iran’s commitments under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
Furthermore, Iran has accused the European powers of being negligent regarding the 2015 nuclear deal arranged during former President Obama’s tenure. According to Araghchi, many Iranians feel they did not receive the promised benefits from the agreement after former President Trump withdrew in 2018, claiming Iran was then supporting international terrorism.
On Monday, Araghchi sent a letter to the United Nations requesting that French, German, and British leaders face questioning in the International Criminal Court as accomplices in war crimes, suggesting a connection to Israel. This letter and Araghchi’s assertion about Iran’s uranium enrichment program put a shadow over upcoming talks in Istanbul with France, Germany, and the UK.
The Iranian Foreign Ministry announced that the meeting would take place at the deputy minister level, following a phone call between the European Foreign Minister and Araghchi. The three European nations, collectively known as the “E3,” have hinted at invoking “snapback” provisions from the 2015 deal to reinstate sanctions against Iran if it does not engage seriously in negotiations regarding its uranium enrichment.
Araghchi responded to the E3’s stance, stating, “If the EU/E3 wants to have a role, they should act responsibly and put aside the exhausted policy of threats and pressure.” He criticized the lack of a moral and legal basis for “snapbacks.” Iranian state media reported that the administration plans to maintain a firm position in the upcoming meeting, aiming to increase its demands and investigate the E3 for alleged war crimes related to their support of Israel.
During a press conference, Araghchi suggested that Iran would look to China and Russia for economic support if sanctions were reinstated, mentioning a planned “trilateral meeting” with these countries on Tuesday to discuss nuclear issues and sanctions.
