TEHRAN – In an interview with Fox News, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragci defended Iran’s nuclear sovereignty, declaring uranium enrichment as “national achievements and pride,” revealing Israel’s disinformation campaign targeting Tehran.
An interview on Monday amid intensifying tensions following the 12-day US Israel attack on Iran, highlighted Tehran’s commitment to peaceful energy development and diplomatic preparations, but only if Washington abandons forced coercion.
Araguchi firmly rejected the demand to stop the enrichment of uranium, saying, “We cannot give up enrichment as it is the result of scientists. And now it is a matter of public pride. Our enrichment is very important to us.”
He emphasizes that Iranian programmes will serve the needs of civilians strictly and dismisses weapon-grade enrichment, referring to the requirements for Tehran’s research reactors for 20% enriched uranium, which he dismisses as unconsidered enriched weapon-grade enriched. “We won’t be 90%.
The Foreign Minister challenged the logic of importing rich uranium when Iran has domestic scientific capabilities, explaining that self-sufficiency cannot be denied under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
During Trump’s first term, Washington played a central role in the collapse of the 2015 Nuclear Trade (JCPOA) agreed by Iran and P5+1. The United States unilaterally waived its obligations in 2018.
After that, in his second term, after indirect negotiations with Iran and completing five rounds of consultations between Araguchi and special envoy Steve Witkov, Washington left the negotiations in June to pursue a military attack and joined the Israeli regime war with Iran.
Despite Iran’s full compliance with IAEA verification (no repeated evidence of the arms programme has been confirmed), the US and Israel have exploited a politically motivated IAEA resolution as an excuse to bomb Iran.
Reveal the extent of US invasion
Araghchi has confirmed “serious and serious” damage that has temporarily halted enrichment operations in response to a June US attack on civilian nuclear sites for Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan.
However, he dismissed the allegations of “complete erasure” propagated by US President Donald Trump, pointing out that Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization (AEOI) is still evaluating the site.
Importantly, he made it clear that Iran will “inform the IAEA immediately” about the status of its abundant uranium stockpile.
This is in stark contrast to the social media distortions of Trump’s social media statements, with the US president falsely claiming that the foreign president admitted that the site had been “destroyed.”
The diplomatic path
Araghchi has expanded his cautious openness to negotiations, but a conditioned dialogue on our mutual respect compliance: “If they (the US) come for a solution that is beneficial to both parties, I am ready to engage with them.”
He outlined Iran’s position: verifiable trustworthy measures to prove the peaceful nature of the nuclear program in exchange for comprehensive sanctions relief.
“We are ready to take the necessary measures of confidence building necessary to prove that Iran’s nuclear program is peaceful and remains peaceful forever,” he said, but consultations should remain indirect at first.
His remarks coincided with Iran’s planned diplomatic involvement with Istanbul’s E3 (UK, France, Germany) on Friday, where sanctions relief and nuclear safeguards are at the top of the agenda.
Expose Israeli propaganda
Foreign Minister Araguchi also rejected recent Western media claims that Iran planned to assassinate former President Donald Trump, calling it “bassed propaganda” by radical elements that have no connection to the Islamic Republic.
“We have never pursued a policy of targeting individuals outside the border, let alone foreign presidents,” Araguchi said.
He also clarified the meaning behind the slogan “Death to America,” and emphasized that it refers to opposition to our hegemonic policies, not hostility towards the American people.
Regarding Iran’s stance on Israel, Aragut said Tehran never called for the destruction of Jews and had repeated the position outlined by the leaders of the Islamic Revolution.
The strength of missiles and the happiness of leaders
Top Iranian diplomats also addressed the situation in Iran’s missile programme, especially in the wake of the 12-day war.
When asked about the widespread use of missiles during the war and suspected they had been destroyed, Araguchi said, “Well, we think we are in good condition now. The capabilities are still there.”
He emphasized the strategic importance of Iranian missile arsenal, describing it as “our most reliable defense.”
“We are continuing our missile program now. We are still in very good shape. We still have quite a few missiles to protect ourselves,” Araguchi said.
In response to Ayatollah Khamenei’s health inquiries, Araguchi has brought peace of mind. “I met him today. He is in very good condition and is very healthy,” he reported.
He further emphasized that “the entire Iranian system is very stable and strong.”