Araghchi: Uranium Enrichment the Main Sticking Point in US-Iran Nuclear Talks

Araghchi in an exclusive interview with Asharq
Araghchi in an exclusive interview with Asharq
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Araghchi: Uranium Enrichment the Main Sticking Point in US-Iran Nuclear Talks

Araghchi in an exclusive interview with Asharq
Araghchi in an exclusive interview with Asharq

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that uranium enrichment remains the central obstacle in nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States, describing the process as a “scientific and national achievement” that Tehran will not abandon.

In an exclusive interview with Asharq TV, Araghchi reaffirmed that Iran’s nuclear program is “entirely peaceful” and stressed that Tehran has no intention of pursuing nuclear weapons.

He added that American threats and pressure would not change Tehran’s stance, hence the continued use of indirect talks through Omani mediation.

“Uranium enrichment is a symbol of our national sovereignty,” Araghchi said. “The Iranian people have made great sacrifices for this program,” he added, alluding to the assassinations of several Iranian nuclear scientists, which Tehran accuses Israel of involvement.

While expressing willingness to enhance transparency around Iran’s nuclear activities, Araghchi made clear that this would only come with full recognition of Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear energy. “Any agreement must clearly safeguard these rights,” he said.

The foreign minister dismissed comments made by US President Donald Trump, who had claimed Iran does not need a peaceful nuclear program. “Only the Iranian people can determine what they need,” Araghchi responded. “We do not negotiate under threats. We set the terms and framework of our negotiations ourselves.”

He stressed that the US sanctions campaign had failed to weaken Iran’s resolve, stating that despite economic and security challenges, Tehran remains committed to the peaceful nature of its nuclear activities.

Araghchi also pointed to what he described as Western non-compliance with the 2015 nuclear deal, particularly after Washington’s withdrawal from the agreement. He warned that any European move to activate the “snapback” mechanism, which would reinstate UN sanctions, would be “illegal” and have serious political consequences.

Turning to regional dynamics, Araghchi said relations with Saudi Arabia had seen significant improvement, citing mutual visits and deepening political and economic cooperation. “Iranian-Saudi cooperation is a cornerstone for regional stability, particularly in the face of Israeli attempts to stoke tensions,” he noted.

He added that ties with Egypt and Bahrain were also on a positive trajectory, pointing to regular political consultations despite the absence of full diplomatic ties.

Regarding Syria, Araghchi reiterated Iran’s support for lifting international sanctions but noted that Tehran is not rushing into restoring full diplomatic relations. “When the Syrian government recognizes the potential benefits of a stronger relationship with Iran, we will be ready to respond,” he said.

Araghchi said that strengthening ties with neighboring countries remains a strategic priority for Tehran, despite the impact of US sanctions. He highlighted the continued expansion of economic partnerships with China, Russia, and other nations in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

Addressing tensions with Israel, Araghchi said that “Israel does not dare attack Iran,” adding that Tel Aviv is well aware of Tehran’s defensive capabilities and readiness to retaliate. “Our message is clear: any aggression against Iran, regardless of its origin, will be met with a proportionate and decisive response.”

Defending Iran’s missile program and military capabilities, Araghchi insisted they serve a “purely defensive and deterrent” purpose. “Our state of readiness has proven effective in safeguarding Iran’s security,” he said.



Iranian Nuclear Program Degraded by up to Two Years, Pentagon Says

Sean Parnell. (AFP/Getty Images)
Sean Parnell. (AFP/Getty Images)
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Iranian Nuclear Program Degraded by up to Two Years, Pentagon Says

Sean Parnell. (AFP/Getty Images)
Sean Parnell. (AFP/Getty Images)

The Pentagon said on Wednesday that US strikes 10 days ago had degraded Iran's nuclear program by up to two years, suggesting the US military operation likely achieved its goals despite a far more cautious initial assessment that leaked to the public.

Sean Parnell, a Pentagon spokesman, offered the figure at a briefing to reporters, adding that the official estimate was "probably closer to two years." Parnell did not provide evidence to back up his assessment.

"We have degraded their program by one to two years, at least intel assessments inside the Department (of Defense) assess that," Parnell told a news briefing.

US military bombers carried out strikes against three Iranian nuclear facilities on June 22 using more than a dozen 30,000-pound (13,600-kg) bunker-buster bombs and more than two dozen Tomahawk land attack cruise missiles.

The evolving US intelligence about the impact of the strikes is being closely watched, after President Donald Trump said almost immediately after they took place that Iran's program had been obliterated, language echoed by Parnell at Wednesday's briefing.

Such conclusions often take the US intelligence community weeks or more to determine.

"All of the intelligence that we've seen (has) led us to believe that Iran's -- those facilities especially, have been completely obliterated," Parnell said.

Over the weekend, the head of the UN nuclear watchdog, Rafael Grossi, said that Iran could be producing enriched uranium in a few months, raising doubts about how effective US strikes to destroy Tehran's nuclear program have been.

Several experts have also cautioned that Iran likely moved a stockpile of near weapons-grade highly enriched uranium out of the deeply buried Fordow site before the strikes and could be hiding it.

But US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said last week he was unaware of intelligence suggesting Iran had moved its highly enriched uranium to shield it from US strikes.

A preliminary assessment last week from the Defense Intelligence Agency suggested that the strikes may have only set back Iran's nuclear program by months. But Trump administration officials said that assessment was low confidence and had been overtaken by intelligence showing Iran's nuclear program was severely damaged.

According to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, the strikes on the Fordow nuclear site caused severe damage.

"No one exactly knows what has transpired in Fordow. That being said, what we know so far is that the facilities have been seriously and heavily damaged," Araqchi said in the interview broadcast by CBS News on Tuesday.