Iranian foreign minister: Iran cannot give up on nuclear enrichment

Iran says it won’t abandon uranium enrichment despite severe damage to its nuclear facilities during last month’s conflict with Israel and the U.S. Tehran calls enrichment a matter of national pride and scientific achievement.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated in an interview that Iran will not give up its uranium enrichment programme, which suffered heavy damage during the 12-day air conflict with Israel and the U.S. in June. 

"We cannot give up of enrichment because it is an achievement of our own scientists. And now, more than that, it is a question of national pride", Araghchi emphasized. 

Before the conflict, five rounds of nuclear negotiations had taken place between Iran and the U.S., mediated by Oman. The main point of disagreement was the level of uranium enrichment Iran would be allowed.

The U.S. and Israel alleged Tehran was nearing weapons-grade levels, while Iran insists its nuclear programme is purely for civilian use.

"Our facilities have been seriously damaged," Araghchi said, noting that Iran’s atomic energy organization is still assessing the full extent of the damage caused by the strikes.

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