TEHRAN – Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi said the US betrays the diplomatic process and the two countries will undermine dialogue by attacking Iran’s nuclear facilities during negotiations.
Araguchi spoke in a telephone conversation with European Union foreign policy director Kaja Karas on Tuesday, where the Zionist regime and the US discussed the latest regional development following a joint military attack on Iran’s Islamic Republic.
He further emphasized Iran’s lack of trust in the United States, saying, “The Zionist regime and the United States launched a military attack on Iran while Tehran was engaged in diplomatic negotiations. It was the United States that betrayed the diplomatic process and the weakened dialogue.”
During the call, Aragut condemned the silence and inaction of certain Western governments in the face of explicit violations of Israel’s international law and war crimes. He emphasized that all governments have a legal and moral obligation to strongly condemn the military assaults committed by the Zionist regime and the United States against Iran’s territory.
“Iran’s nuclear knowledge cannot be destroyed by force.”
In an interview with CBS News aired Tuesday, Araguchi stressed that the Islamic Republic’s peaceful nuclear capabilities and scientific achievements cannot be eliminated through military strikes, and that recent attacks will not push back Israel’s claims of success.
“Science and technology cannot be erased, especially with peaceful uranium enrichment, by simply bombing.”
His comments followed the joint Israeli-American war with Iran that began on June 13th, when the Israeli regime began astounding assaults on Iran, both in Iran’s nuclear facilities and in other sites. The United States has already been deeply involved through intelligence and logistical support, and has joined the conflict directly towards the end of a 12-day offensive and impressive nuclear site in central and northern central Iran.
US President Donald Trump later claimed he had “exterminated” the Iranian site where the US strike was targeted. This is a statement that contradicts the Pentagon’s own internal assessment, which indicates its limited effectiveness.
Araguchi rejected such claims, emphasizing that Iran not only retains the expertise required for a peaceful nuclear program, but also has the ability to recover quickly.
“If there is a determination and that determination exists, we can repair the damage and quickly make up for the time lost in nuclear development,” he said.
The Foreign Minister added that Iran’s nuclear program is a source of pride for the people. This is a sentiment that was fully displayed during the recent conflict.
“We endured a 12-day war imposed, but people are not going to retreat from enrichment support,” he said. “We have proven our ability to protect ourselves under attack.”
Araguchi also warned that Iran would not hesitate to respond if faced with further attacks, revealing that Tehran views new military action as a red line.
“There will be no immediate return to consultations with us.”
Commenting on the possibility of resuming nuclear talks with Washington, Araguchi ruled out the rapid reopening.
“I don’t think negotiations will resume that anytime soon,” he said. “Before we leave again, we need a clear assurance that the United States will not launch a military attack against us in the midst of diplomacy.”
Indirect negotiations between Tehran and Washington began through Omani mediation in April, continuing for six rounds. However, as the US is stagnating in collaboration with Israel, Iran claimed to reduce uranium enrichment levels to zero.
Recent military attacks have further undermined confidence in Washington’s diplomatic intent, with Iranian officials questioning why they are forcing the US to commit to diplomacy.