Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi affirmed that Tehran cannot abandon its uranium enrichment program, despite the serious damage after the recent conflict with Israel.
Speaking on a television channel, he said that this is the result of Iranian scientists and has become a symbol of national pride.
Before the conflict, Iran and the US had conducted five nuclear negotiation rounds under the intermediary of Oman, but could not reach a consensus on the extent Iran is allowed to enrich uranium. Israel and Washington believe that Tehran is getting closer to the threshold of enrichment enough to make nuclear weapons. However, Iran is determined that its nuclear program is for civilian purposes only.
The conflict broke out after Israel attacked Iran on June 13. The 12-day airstrike also involved the US, bombing many of Iran's nuclear facilities. Araghchi said the damage was serious and was being further assessed. A ceasefire was established at the end of June.
Iran is a member of the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), while Israel is not party to the treaty. The UN's nuclear agency said it has no authentic evidence that Iran is conducting an organized nuclear weapons program. Meanwhile, Israel - the only Middle Eastern country believed to possess nuclear weapons - said the goal of the conflict was to prevent Iran from developing such weapons.
Araghchi also revealed that Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei is in good health. He affirmed that Tehran is ready for dialogue with Washington, but at the present time the negotiations will not take place in person.
