TEHRAN, July 22(Alliance News): Iran will not abandon its nuclear programme, including uranium enrichment, despite the severe damage caused by recent US airstrikes on its nuclear sites, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said, just days ahead of crucial talks with European powers in Istanbul.
Speaking to Fox News, Araghchi confirmed that uranium enrichment activities had temporarily halted due to “serious and severe” damage to facilities, but asserted that Iran would not give up what he termed a “national achievement” of Iranian scientists.
The statement comes as Iran prepares to meet Britain, France, and Germany in Istanbul on Friday to discuss the future of the 2015 nuclear deal, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
This will be the first major diplomatic engagement since Iran’s 12-day war with Israel last month, during which the United States also carried out strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, including Fordo, Isfahan, and Natanz.
Iran accuses the European signatories of failing to uphold their commitments under the JCPOA after the US unilaterally withdrew in 2018 under President Donald Trump and reimposed harsh sanctions.
Though Europe pledged support, efforts like the INSTEX mechanism to counter US sanctions never materialised, worsening Iran’s economic crisis.
“Iran holds the European parties responsible for negligence in implementing the agreement,” Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said, adding that Iran’s response—including reducing its commitments—was in line with the deal’s provisions.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has confirmed Iran is enriching uranium to 60%, well beyond the 3.67% limit set by the JCPOA, and dangerously close to the 90% level required for nuclear weapons. Iran insists the enrichment is solely for peaceful, civilian purposes.
Ahead of the Istanbul meeting, Iran will also hold trilateral talks with Russia and China in Tehran. China’s Foreign Ministry said it would continue playing a “constructive role” in promoting dialogue and a balanced solution that addresses all sides’ concerns.
Meanwhile, Germany said the talks will take place at an expert level, and warned that if no solution is reached by the end of August, the European trio (E3) could trigger the “snapback” mechanism to reimpose UN sanctions.
“The snapback remains an option for the E3,” German Foreign Ministry Spokesman Martin Giese said.
The clause allows UN sanctions to be reinstated in the event of non-compliance, though the JCPOA itself is set to expire in October, adding pressure for a swift resolution.
US President Donald Trump, responding to Araghchi’s comments on his social platform Truth Social, said the US would strike again “if necessary.”
Iran, however, remains firm in its stance. “At this stage, we have no intention of speaking with America,” said Baqaei, blaming Western aggression and failed diplomacy for the current stalemate.
The situation remains tense as diplomatic efforts continue under the looming shadow of possible further conflict and the ticking deadline for the nuclear deal’s expiration.
