TEHRAN — Iran’s foreign minister said Sunday that the country is no longer enriching uranium at any of its nuclear sites after Israeli and U.S. strikes on its facilities in June.
Responding to a question from an Associated Press journalist visiting Tehran, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi gave the clearest acknowledgment to date of the status of Iran’s nuclear program following the attacks.
“There is no undeclared nuclear enrichment in Iran. All of our facilities are under the safeguards and monitoring of the IAEA,” Araghchi said.
“There is no enrichment right now because our enrichment facilities have been attacked.”
Pressed on what conditions would allow negotiations with the U.S. and other world powers to resume, Araghchi maintained that Iran’s stance on its nuclear rights has not changed.
“Iran’s right for enrichment, for peaceful use of nuclear technology, including enrichment, is undeniable,” he said.
“We hope the international community, including the United States, recognizes our rights. We would never give up our rights.”
Iran granted the AP reporter a three-day visa to attend a summit hosted by the Institute for Political and International Studies, an affiliate of the Foreign Ministry.
The conference, titled “International Law Under Assault: Aggression and Self-Defense,” brought together Iranian analysts who defended Tehran’s conduct during the 12-day war in June and sharply criticized Israel.
Images of children killed in the conflict lined the walkway outside the venue, held inside the Martyr General Qassem Soleimani Building, named after the late Revolutionary Guard commander killed by a U.S. drone strike in 2020.
Iran now faces a sensitive period after the war, with Israel having severely damaged its air-defense systems and tensions high over Tehran’s nuclear program.
At home, the government continues to confront economic pressures and public unease over potential decisions on mandatory hijab enforcement and increases in subsidized fuel prices — both flashpoints for past nationwide protests. — Agencies
