Araghchi confirmed that the U.S.’s top ambition in preventing Tehran from further developing a nuclear weapon by blocking all enrichment capabilities is unlikely to come to fruition, despite threats of intense international sanctions.
“We cannot give up enrichment because it is an achievement of our own scientists. And now, more than that, it is a question of national pride,” Araghchi said. “Our enrichment is so dear to us,” he told Bret Baier, anchor and executive editor of Special Report, in a clip released before the full interview airs.
The foreign minister confirmed that the extent of the damage to its nuclear facilities caused by the U.S. strikes last month was “serious,” but he would not comment on whether any enriched uranium survived the strikes.
“Our facilities have been damaged – seriously damaged,” Araghchi said. “The extent of which is now under evaluation by our atomic energy organization.
“But as far as I know, they are seriously damaged,” he added, noting that the damage has also currently ceased all enrichment capabilities for the time being.
Washington and Tehran have yet to resume talks following the U.S. strikes last month.
Araghchi was asked whether “Iran is now trying to assassinate Donald Trump, Mike Pompeo, and John Bolton.” Araghchi firmly denied the claim, stating, “No. We have never said that. Maybe some individuals have said things like that, but that has never been Iran’s official position.”
