Iran’s nuclear facilities suffered “serious damage” in recent U.S. airstrikes, but the regime is determined to resume uranium enrichment once repairs are complete, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed in an interview aired Monday.
Speaking to Fox News host Bret Baier, Araghchi acknowledged the impact of the June 22 strikes ordered by President Trump on three key uranium enrichment sites.
“Our facilities have been seriously damaged,” he said. “They’ve been destroyed, and we have not been able to refine nuclear fuel since the attack.”
Despite the setback, Araghchi was clear Iran will not abandon its nuclear program, which he called both a scientific achievement and a matter of national pride.
“The enrichment is stopped now because the damage is severe,” he explained. “But we cannot give up enrichment. It’s an achievement of our scientists and a symbol of national pride.”
Araghchi rejected any new nuclear deal that would bar uranium enrichment, a process permitted under international law for peaceful use but also crucial for nuclear weapons development.
“If the goal is to prevent Iran from having nuclear weapons, that’s achievable,” he said. “But if the goal is to deny Iran its rights, including enrichment, we have a problem.”
“Enrichment is paused due to the attacks, but any future settlement must include our right to enrich. We will never give that up.”
The interview came shortly after Trump posted on Truth Social, celebrating the strikes and criticizing media coverage that downplayed their effects.
“Iran’s Foreign Minister admits ‘damages are very severe, they are destroyed.’ Just like I said, and we’ll do it again if needed!” Trump wrote.
He added, “Fake News CNN should fire their phony reporter and apologize to me and the pilots who obliterated Iran’s nuclear sites.”
Satellite images from Maxar Technologies show craters and extensive damage at the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant, one of Iran’s most secure nuclear sites.
Asked about Iran’s existing enriched uranium stockpile, Araghchi said he had “no detailed information” on whether it was damaged.
He also dismissed the idea of Iran scaling back its ballistic missile program or cutting support for proxy groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis.
“They fight for a just cause, and we have always supported them,” he said. “Our missiles are our most reliable defense. How can we disarm ourselves? Who would accept that?”
While open to future talks, Araghchi said Iran isn’t interested in direct negotiations with the Trump administration unless they offer a “win-win” outcome.
“We are open to talks, but not direct for now,” he said. “If they come with a win-win solution, I’m ready to engage.”
Trump has insisted any deal must include a full ban on uranium enrichment and a dismantling of Iran’s missile programs.
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