Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has confirmed that recent U.S. airstrikes caused “serious and severe” damage to three of the country’s major nuclear facilities, halting uranium enrichment operations for now—but not Iran’s long-term nuclear ambitions.
In an interview with Fox News’ Bret Baier aired Monday, Araghchi acknowledged that the June 22 strikes, ordered by President Donald Trump, destroyed critical infrastructure. “Our facilities have been damaged—seriously damaged, the extent of which is now under evaluation,” he said. “The facilities have been destroyed.”
Despite the setback, Araghchi declared that Iran remains committed to its enrichment program, calling it “an achievement of our own scientists” and a matter of “national pride.”
While uranium enrichment is permitted under international law for peaceful purposes, it can also be a step toward developing nuclear weapons. Araghchi made it clear that Iran would reject any new deal prohibiting enrichment. “If the goal is to make sure that Iran will never have nuclear weapons, that is achievable. But if the goal is to deprive Iran of its rights… I think we have difficulty,” he said.
President Trump, on his social media platform Truth Social, celebrated the success of the strikes, quoting Araghchi’s remarks and warning of further action if necessary. “We will do it again, if necessary!” he posted, while also attacking media outlets for downplaying the operation’s impact.
Satellite images from Maxar Technologies have since confirmed craters and widespread destruction at the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant, one of Iran’s most heavily fortified nuclear sites.
Araghchi said Iran retains the technical expertise and personnel to eventually rebuild and resume its program. “The technology is there. The scientists are there… Facilities can be rebuilt. Machines can be replaced.”
On broader security issues, Araghchi ruled out any negotiations that would involve Iran giving up its ballistic missile program or ending support for groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis. “They are fighting for a just cause… and [missiles] are our most reliable means of defense,” he stated.
Although expressing willingness to negotiate in the future, Araghchi ruled out direct talks with the Trump administration at this time, unless they were framed as a “win-win” engagement.
President Trump has maintained that any future deal must include a total ban on uranium enrichment and dismantling of Iran’s missile and proxy operations.
