Iran Confirms Nuclear Enrichment Will Continue
Iran has declared that it will not give up its nuclear enrichment program, even though key facilities were seriously damaged in recent airstrikes. The announcement was made by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who stated that enrichment is a national right and symbol of scientific progress that Iran will not surrender.
Strikes Damaged Key Facilities
Iran’s nuclear infrastructure suffered heavy damage after coordinated strikes reportedly targeted major facilities at Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan. Although enrichment activities are currently paused due to the destruction, Iranian authorities have confirmed that the program will resume once the sites are repaired.
A Matter of Sovereignty and Pride
Calling enrichment a matter of national pride, Araghchi reiterated that Iran views the program as a sovereign right under international law. He dismissed any demands from Western powers that Iran permanently halt enrichment, stating such conditions are non-negotiable.
IAEA Cooperation Suspended
In response to the attacks, Iran has suspended cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Nuclear inspectors have withdrawn from Iranian facilities, and Tehran has made it clear that it will only restore cooperation if safety conditions are reestablished and external threats subside.
Setback but Not a Surrender
While international observers believe the strikes may have set Iran’s nuclear timeline back by a year or more, Iran remains committed to restoring full functionality. Officials claim that uranium enrichment could resume within months once damaged infrastructure is rebuilt.
Room for Diplomacy, But On Iran’s Terms
Though Iran has expressed willingness to return to diplomatic talks, it insists that any future negotiations must acknowledge its right to enrichment. Iran has also hinted that it may consider indirect dialogue with Western countries if there is movement on lifting economic sanctions.
