Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized that Tehran will not abandon its uranium enrichment program, despite the significant damage it sustained during the recent war with "Israel" during which US forces reportedly bombed Iranian nuclear facilities.

In a statement to Fox News, Araghchi divulged the program was temporarily halted due to severe damage but vowed Iran would not give up enrichment.

"It represents not only a scientific achievement by our experts but also, more importantly, a matter of national dignity," the foreign minister said. 

While Tehran maintains it has a sovereign right to pursue enrichment under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, Washington and Tel Aviv accuse Iran of pursuing nuclear weapons—an allegation Iran firmly denies.

For Iran, continuing enrichment is viewed as both a symbol of scientific advancement and a cornerstone of political sovereignty.

Iran ready for war if imposed, says FM Araghchi

The recent assault against the Islamic Republic was not a simple war but a deliberate and unprovoked act of aggression by the Israeli entity, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi affirmed on Saturday.

In an interview for China’s CGTN channel, Araghchi underscored that Iran was compelled to exercise its legitimate right to self-defense. He stated that Iranian forces successfully repelled the attackers, who later pushed for an unconditional ceasefire.

“War has never been our choice,” he said. “But if it is imposed on us, we are completely ready.”

The foreign minister cautioned against placing trust in any ceasefire agreements involving the Israeli entity, citing its “extremely poor track record.” Araghchi stressed that Iranian forces remain on high alert in the event of any violations.

“We remain alert and fully prepared in the event of a ceasefire violation,” he added, reiterating Iran’s defensive posture.