Iran’s Foreign Minister Discusses US Airstrikes and Compensation

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araguchi has reiterated a request for the US to offer some form of “compensation” related to attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities. He emphasized that Iran has no intention of resuming negotiations with Western nations.

The Iranian regime frequently calls for “compensation” from the United States due to various actions taken over the last decade aimed at countering Iranian terrorism. Their controlled courts have even sought financial reparations from Washington for targeted strikes against prominent terrorist figures, claiming to be victims of unjust military actions.

Araguchi characterized President Trump’s approval of airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear sites as an unwarranted assault on a peaceful nation. It’s worth noting that Iran has been linked to global terrorism and has been a destabilizing force in areas like Yemen, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and even parts of South America.

He made these comments while speaking to the Financial Times, addressing the circumstances surrounding Trump’s airstrikes. On June 21, Trump announced he had authorized targeted strikes on nuclear enrichment facilities located in Isfahan, Natanz, and Fordau. This move was framed as a necessary response to the UN nuclear agency’s concerns.

The airstrikes came after five rounds of unsuccessful negotiations aimed at a deal that would curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions and ease economic sanctions imposed by the US.

Araguchi told the Financial Times that these airstrikes have eroded trust in the US. He mentioned that the US needed to clarify why they conducted attacks during a negotiation phase, adding that assurances are required to prevent such occurrences in future discussions. “They need to compensate us for the damage they caused,” he stated, calling for genuine confidence-building measures from the other side.

He observed that there’s a prevailing skepticism within Iran regarding negotiations, with many advising him against wasting time on talks that they see as deceptive. Still, he indicated that engaging in discussions is not entirely impossible, though it hinges on substantial financial commitments from the US.

Araguchi did not specify the exact amount Iran is seeking from the US for the reconstruction of its nuclear facilities. He firmly asserted that Iran would not back down from uranium enrichment, and future negotiations would be impacted by Trump’s previous dealings.

“The enrichment program will never cease in Iran. That’s a hard line for us,” stated Steve Witkoff, who was a special envoy under Trump, in a prior interview. He elaborated that complete dismantling of sites like Natanz, Fordau, and Isfahan is also a requirement for future discussions.

Araguchi has consistently labeled financial payments as a prerequisite for Iran to return to the negotiation table. Following the airstrikes in late June, he insisted that Trump must provide “compensation for damages,” which he described as a serious issue requiring careful consideration.

Shortly after, he contacted the United Nations, urging international bodies to pressure the US to provide reparations for the nuclear sites affected by the strikes. He insisted that the Security Council recognize both the Israeli regime and the United States as instigators of attacks and thus responsible for the damages caused.

American airstrikes have mitigated the risk of Iranian nuclear weapons by targeting influential military leaders in Iran, a move publicly tied to Israel’s military operations and intentions. This was underscored after accusations that Iran had violated international nuclear agreements, prompting military responses.

The UN has yet to respond positively to Iran’s calls for compensation related to the nuclear facilities. Meanwhile, the Trump administration seems to exhibit little interest in further negotiations or in relaxing sanctions on Iran. Recent statements from State Department officials have indicated that new sanctions are designed to inhibit the Iranian regime’s capabilities to fund destabilizing activities, which includes its nuclear program.

The most recent sanctions specifically target 20 entities within Iran’s oil industry and those based in China that facilitate Iran’s oil operations.