Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stressed that Tehran’s right to peaceful nuclear technology remains “undeniable,” while blaming the United States for making maximalist demands that hinder meaningful dialogue. His remarks come as Iran attempts to signal openness to renewed negotiations following recent escalations.
Speaking to an Associated Press journalist during a sanctioned media visit, Araghchi offered the most direct comments yet on Iran’s nuclear posture after Israel and the US bombed several enrichment facilities during the 12-day conflict in June.
“There is no undeclared nuclear enrichment in Iran. All of our facilities are under the safeguards and monitoring of the International Atomic Energy Agency,” he said. “There is no enrichment right now because our facilities — our enrichment facilities — have been attacked.”
When asked what conditions might bring Iran back to negotiation tables with the US and other powers, Araghchi reiterated Tehran’s long-standing position. “Iran’s message remains clear,” he noted. “Iran’s right for enrichment, for peaceful use of nuclear technology, including enrichment, is undeniable. We continue to exercise that right and expect the international community, including the United States, to recognise it.”
Separately, Mohammad Eslami, head of the Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran, told journalists at the same summit that Tehran had been warned against accessing the bombed nuclear sites. Satellite images analysed in recent months show no major activity at the Fordo, Isfahan, or Natanz facilities.
“Our security situation hasn’t changed. Every day we are threatened with another attack,” Eslami said. “Every day we are told if you touch anything, you’ll be attacked.”
Iran granted a three-day visa to the AP reporter to attend the summit, which included members of major British and international media outlets