In an exclusive interview with Fox News’ Bret Baier, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed that the nation will not abandon its nuclear enrichment program, describing it as a significant achievement of its own scientists and a matter of national pride. “We cannot give up enrichment because it is an achievement of our own scientists. And now, more than that, it is a question of national pride,” Araghchi said. The U.S. has long sought to prevent Iran from advancing its nuclear capabilities, imposing severe sanctions and threatening further measures if Tehran does not comply. Despite these pressures, Iran has steadfastly refused to relinquish its enrichment activities.
Araghchi also confirmed that Iran’s nuclear facilities were heavily damaged by U.S. strikes last month, though details on the extent of the damage remain unclear. He stated that the damage has temporarily halted enrichment operations, but Iran has not ruled out the possibility of resuming them once the situation stabilizes. Meanwhile, the U.S. is pushing for Iran to join a regional consortium that could include the UAE and Saudi Arabia to meet its enriched uranium needs for civil nuclear power. However, Iran has consistently rejected this proposal, with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei recently stating that the country’s nuclear capabilities are a source of national pride and a symbol of sovereignty.
The international community is closely monitoring the upcoming talks between Iran and its key allies and adversaries, including Russia and China, as well as the European Union’s three major powers—France, Germany, and the U.K. The nuclear issue remains a major point of contention, with the U.S. and European nations seeking to negotiate a deal that limits Iran’s nuclear program, while Tehran insists on maintaining its enrichment capabilities. The deadline for a potential agreement is approaching, with the U.S. and its allies warning that failure to reach a deal could result in renewed sanctions and further restrictions on Iran’s nuclear activities. As the negotiations unfold, the outcome will have significant implications for international security and the future of the Persian Gulf region.
With the U.S. and Iran yet to resume direct talks following the recent strikes, the path to a resolution remains uncertain. Analysts suggest that any agreement must balance Iran’s demands for sovereignty with the international community’s concerns about nuclear proliferation. The situation also highlights the broader geopolitical tensions between the West and Iran, with Russia and China emerging as key players in mediating the dispute. The international community continues to urge both sides to seek a diplomatic solution, but the likelihood of a breakthrough remains low given the deepening mistrust and competing interests.