Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araguchi, asserts that despite ongoing assaults from the US and Israel, Iran retains the capability to enrich uranium and could revive its nuclear program whenever it chooses. He noted that attacks on three significant Iranian nuclear sites, along with Israeli operations that targeted military infrastructure, resulted in the deaths of numerous nuclear scientists and countless others, according to Tehran. Israeli sources provide higher figures for casualties among security personnel and nuclear scientists.
In a conversation with the Financial Times, Araguchi explained, “You can reconstruct buildings and replace technology, because we’re not short of skilled scientists and engineers who previously worked at our facilities.” He emphasized that the timing and method of resuming uranium enrichment depend on various conditions.
He reiterated that Iran has no intention of abandoning its nuclear enrichment pursuit. The international community is closely monitoring ongoing discussions aimed at avoiding nuclear weapons development in exchange for lifting sanctions. According to Araguchi, the US should provide reparations for last month’s strikes as part of any negotiations, saying, “They must account for their actions during future talks.” Additionally, he pointed out that recent conflicts demonstrated that a military resolution to Iran’s nuclear endeavors is not feasible.
While there’s pressure within Iran to leverage its nuclear capabilities for military use, Araguchi maintained that Iran would continue adhering to a religious edict prohibiting nuclear weapons production, which dates back two years.
Amid various tensions, he remarked on the public sentiment, expressing concerns that many feel disillusioned about negotiations: “People keep telling me it’s pointless to engage; if they approach us, it’s likely just a façade for something else.” He remains committed to Iran’s ability to enrich uranium for civilian purposes, despite claims that no enrichment is currently occurring.
The White House has not responded to Araguchi’s comments thus far, while Israeli officials acknowledged that some of Iran’s enriched uranium stock still exists post-attack. European nations have signaled that they may reinstate UN sanctions if nuclear negotiations do not progress.
Any signatory of the 2015 nuclear deal can trigger “snapback” sanctions if Iran is deemed non-compliant. However, the US, having withdrawn from the agreement, lacks the ability to impose these sanctions unilaterally. Recently, new sanctions have been directed at Iran’s oil industry and military drone sector, increasing the pressure on Tehran.
Araguchi warned that Iran would cease negotiations with European nations if sanctions are enacted, stating, “If they initiate a snapback, it signifies the conclusion of our discussions.”
