Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi said in an interview with CBS that nuclear talks between Iran and the United States will not resume unless the US ends its military threat.
“To decide whether to resume consultations, we must first ensure that Washington does not re-exploit consultations for military attacks,” he said, adding that “the door to diplomacy will never be closed.”
Elsewhere in his remarks, the top Iranian diplomat emphasized that enrichment is an industry based on advanced science. “If this industry is damaged or destroyed, we can quickly repair the damage and overcome the setback in order to make progress again in this industry. We cannot destroy enrichment techniques and knowledge through bombing.”
“Our country’s peaceful nuclear programme has become a source of pride and dignity for the people,” he further cited.
He also emphasized that Iran had experienced a 12-day war. Therefore, the Iranian state does not easily retreat from enrichment.
“During the war we have shown the power and will to defend ourselves. We will continue to do so if aggression arises.”
On June 13, Israel launched a blatant, unprovoked attack on Iran, assassinating many high-ranking military commanders, nuclear scientists, and ordinary civilians.
More than a week later, the US jumped on the bandwagon and bombed three Iran’s nuclear presence with serious violations of the UN Charter, international law and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
In response, Iranian forces targeted strategic sites across the occupying regions and Aldead Air Base in Qatar, the largest US military base in West Asia.
On June 24, Iran was able to stop the illegal attacks through successful retaliation operations against both the Israeli regime and the United States.
MNA/Aralam Channel