By Haaretz
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi expressed skepticism about a swift resumption of diplomatic talks with the United States, telling CBS News that negotiations would not restart “as quickly as that” following recent U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
U.S. President Donald Trump had indicated that diplomatic discussions could resume as early as this week. However, Araghchi, in his first interview with an American media outlet inside Iran since the bombings, emphasized the need for assurances.
“In order for us to decide to reengage, we will have to first ensure that America will not revert back to targeting us in a military attack during the negotiations,” Araghchi said through a translator. “And I think with all these considerations, we still need more time.” Despite this, he insisted, “The doors of diplomacy will never slam shut.”
The U.S. strikes on June 21 targeted Iran’s Fordo, Isfahan, and Natanz nuclear facilities. While Trump stated the sites were “completely and totally obliterated,” Rafael Grossi, head of the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog agency, told CBS News the damage was “severe, but it’s not total damage,” suggesting Iran could likely resume uranium enrichment within a few months. Araghchi concurred, stating, “One cannot obliterate the technology and science for enrichment through bombings.” He added that if Iran maintains its “will… to once again make progress in this industry, we will be able to expeditiously repair the damages and make up for the lost time.”
When questioned about Iran’s intent to continue enriching uranium, Araghchi asserted that the country’s “peaceful nuclear program has turned into a matter of national pride and glory. We have also gone through 12 days of imposed war, therefore, people will not easily back down from enrichment.”
Trump has also indicated he could order further strikes on Iran should it resume enriching uranium beyond a certain level. Araghchi questioned the legality of such action and affirmed Iran’s preparedness for more attacks. “We showed and proved during this 12-day imposed war that we have the ability to defend ourselves, and we will continue to do so should any aggression be launched against us,” he said.