logo
Iran refuses to abandon uranium enrichment after Israel-Iran war, cites ‘national pride'

Iran refuses to abandon uranium enrichment after Israel-Iran war, cites ‘national pride'

Mint22-07-2025
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said Tehran cannot abandon its uranium enrichment program despite serious damage to its nuclear infrastructure following the recent Israel-Iran war. Speaking to Fox News on Monday, Araghchi described enrichment as a core achievement and a matter of national pride.
'It is stopped because, yes, damages are serious and severe. But obviously we cannot give up enrichment because it is an achievement of our own scientists,' Araghchi said.
'And now, more than that, it is a question of national pride.'
While acknowledging the extensive destruction of Iranian nuclear facilities from US and Israeli strikes, Araghchi emphasised Iran's continued capacity to pursue enrichment.
'The technology is there. The scientists are there. The people who have run these facilities are there,' he said.
'Buildings can be rebuilt. Facilities can be rebuilt. Machines can be replaced.'
When asked about Iran's stockpile of enriched uranium, Araghchi said he had 'no detailed information' on whether it was destroyed in the attacks.
Araghchi firmly rejected any demand from the United States to curtail Iran's missile program or to halt its support for regional armed groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis.
'They are fighting for a just cause, and we have always supported them,' he said.
'On our missiles… that is our most reliable means of defense. How can we disarm ourselves? Who can [Iran] accept anything like that? So, we will never disarm ourselves.'
While ruling out direct dialogue 'for the time being,' Araghchi said Tehran remains open to talks with Washington. Prior to the recent war, the two sides had held five rounds of nuclear negotiations mediated by Oman, but failed to agree on limits to enrichment.
'If the goal is to make sure that Iran will never have nuclear weapons, that is achievable,' he said.
'But if the goal is to deprive Iran from its rights, including the right of enrichment, I think we have difficulty.'
The 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran in June began with Israeli airstrikes on June 13, prompting retaliation from Tehran and subsequent US attacks on Iranian nuclear sites. A ceasefire was reached in late June.
Despite the destruction, Araghchi claimed the conflict proved that military action cannot halt Iran's nuclear ambitions.
'I think the recent attack proved that there is no military option for our nuclear program.'
Iran remains a signatory of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). The UN nuclear watchdog has said it has 'no credible indication' of an active weapons program in Iran. Tehran insists its nuclear efforts are exclusively for civilian use.
Israel, widely believed to possess nuclear weapons, has said its goal is to prevent Iran from ever acquiring one.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

UK to recognise Palestine in September unless Israel takes 'substantive steps' in Gaza: Starmer
UK to recognise Palestine in September unless Israel takes 'substantive steps' in Gaza: Starmer

First Post

time8 minutes ago

  • First Post

UK to recognise Palestine in September unless Israel takes 'substantive steps' in Gaza: Starmer

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer informed his ministers that recognition of Palestinian statehood would proceed in September if the Israeli government fails to act on the key conditions set by London, according to a report read more British Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaks during a welcome reception at the Britain's ambassador's residence in Washington, DC on Wednesday. AP File Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Tuesday announced that the United Kingdom will formally recognise the State of Palestine in September unless Israel takes a series of 'substantive steps' in Gaza, including agreeing to a ceasefire. The potentially historic decision, which Starmer described as part of a broader plan for 'lasting peace,' follows his recall of the UK Cabinet from recess for emergency discussions on the escalating crisis in the besieged enclave. According to an AFP report, citing Downing Street, Starmer informed his ministers that recognition of Palestinian statehood would proceed in September if the Israeli government fails to act on the key conditions set by London. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD They include ending 'the appalling situation in Gaza', reaching a ceasefire, making 'clear there will be no annexation in the West Bank', and committing 'to a long-term peace process that delivers a two-state solution,' it added. 'I have always said that we will recognise a Palestinian state as a contribution to a proper peace process at the moment of maximum impact for the two-state solution,' AFP quoted Starmer as saying in a Downing Street address. 'With that solution now under threat, this is the moment to act.' UK, France may lead G7 on Palestine French President Emmanuel Macron announced last week that France would formally recognise a Palestinian state during the UN General Assembly in September. Echoing that stance, Starmer said Britain would follow suit unless Israel takes 'substantive steps' to end the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. If carried out, the UK and France would become the first G7 nations to formally endorse Palestinian statehood — a move that has already drawn sharp criticism from both Israel and the United States. However, reports suggested Starmer is believed to have presented his plan for the long-running conflict in the Middle East to US President Donald Trump when the pair met in Scotland on Monday. Trump appeared to give his blessing for the recognition move, saying during a wide-ranging press conference lasting more than an hour that 'I don't mind him (Starmer) taking a position.' Trump on Tuesday, however, dismissed the reports and said that he and Starmer did not discuss London's plan to recognise a Palestinian state. 'We never did discuss it,' Reuters quoted Trump as telling reporters on board Air Force One while travelling back to the US after meeting Starmer in Scotland. Trump said recognising a Palestinian state would reward Palestinian militant group Hamas. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'You're rewarding Hamas if you do that. I don't think they should be rewarded,' he said. Trump said the US had sent money for food aid for Palestinians in Gaza, and that he wanted to make sure it's properly spent. 'I want to make sure the money is spent wisely and is spent judiciously, and that food is distributed in a proper manner,' he said. Speaking Tuesday, Starmer also detailed several demands for the Palestinian militant group Hamas, which is holding Israeli hostages seized in its attacks on October 7, 2023. 'They must immediately release all of the hostages, sign up to a ceasefire, disarm and accept that they will play no part in the government of Gaza,' he said. The UK leader added that London 'will make an assessment in September on how far the parties have met these steps', adding: 'No one should have a veto over our decision.' 'Two-state solution' Starmer has been under growing domestic and international pressure to formally recognise a Palestinian state, as the humanitarian situation in Gaza dramatically worsens. Macron publicly pressed for joint recognition of Palestine during his UK state visit earlier this month, while an increasing number of MPs in Starmer's ruling Labour party have been demanding action. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD More than 220 British lawmakers from nine parties including Starmer's Labour published a letter last Friday urging him to formally recognise a Palestinian state. The commitment was included in Labour's election-winning manifesto last year, as part of 'a two-state solution with a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state'. Starmer's office also said that the UK had dropped its first aid by air into the Gaza Strip, as UN aid agencies warned that the Palestinian territory of more than two million people was slipping into famine. It said 'the first airdrops of British aid' were landing Tuesday, 'containing around half a million pounds' worth of lifesaving supplies'. 'The Palestinian people have endured terrible suffering now in Gaza because of a catastrophic failure of aid. We see starving babies, children too weak to stand,' the UK leader said in a televised address. 'The suffering must end,' he added. With inputs from agencies

UK to Recognise Palestinian State Unless Israel Ends Gaza War, Khamenei Flaunts 'Power' of Strikes
UK to Recognise Palestinian State Unless Israel Ends Gaza War, Khamenei Flaunts 'Power' of Strikes

News18

time8 minutes ago

  • News18

UK to Recognise Palestinian State Unless Israel Ends Gaza War, Khamenei Flaunts 'Power' of Strikes

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu held a meeting with top advisers amid mounting international pressure to declare a ceasefire in GazaThe UK will recognise the state of Palestine in September unless Israel takes "substantive steps" in Gaza, including agreeing to a ceasefire, PM Keir Starmer said 0:00 INTRO 3:20 'GAZA SLIPPING INTO FAMINE'...4:31 IRAN SAYS WESTERN NUCLEAR DEMANDS ARE 'JUST EXCUSES'6:14 IRAQ THWARTED 29 ATTEMPTS TO FIRE AT ISRAEL OR US TROOPS 7:00 PHILIPPINES SEEKS HELP TO SECURE RELEASE OF SAILORSn18oc_world n18oc_crux

Khamenei On Drugs? Iran Breaks Silence Over Explosive Claims
Khamenei On Drugs? Iran Breaks Silence Over Explosive Claims

India.com

time8 minutes ago

  • India.com

Khamenei On Drugs? Iran Breaks Silence Over Explosive Claims

Iran has strongly refuted sensational allegations made against its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The claims, which emerged from channels allegedly linked to Israel's intelligence agency Mossad, accuse Khamenei of spending his days either sleeping or under the influence of drugs. These allegations have sparked controversy not only in Iran but also in India and around the world. In response, the Iranian Embassy in India expressed strong disapproval and labelled the claims as baseless. Iranian journalists, defending the Supreme Leader, have publicly shared details of his daily routine to counter the smear campaign. In today's DNA Episode, Zee News analysed the allegations made against Iran's Supreme Leader: Watch Full DNA Episode Here: #DNA | खामेनेई के खिलाफ 'प्रोपेगेंडा वॉर' का DNA टेस्ट, ड्रग्स वाले आरोप..अफवाह या सच्चाई ?#AliKhamenei #Iran #WorldNews @pratyushkkhare — Zee News (@ZeeNews) July 29, 2025 According to an Iranian journalist, Ayatollah Khamenei, aged 85, maintains a highly disciplined lifestyle, and he reportedly wakes up at 5 am. He spends his mornings engaged in teaching and religious activities, offers his prayers, and handles key administrative duties related to Iran's national policies. In the evenings, he attends important meetings and policy discussions, retiring for the day between 10:15 and 10:30 pm. He is also known to advise Iranian youth to avoid drugs, rise early, and maintain a healthy daily schedule. They underlined that since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, drugs have been deemed "un-Islamic" in Iran, and Khamenei himself is known to be a staunch opponent of drug abuse. The country imposes strict penalties, including the death sentence, for serious drug-related offences. The Iranian side dismissed the drug-use allegations as part of a broader digital misinformation campaign aimed at damaging the credibility of Iran's top leadership. Aim Behind Drug Allegations It is believed that Mossad's alleged propaganda is part of an information warfare strategy targeting Khamenei's public image. With Iran reportedly grappling with economic hardships, such allegations—if believed by the Iranian public—could stoke unrest and discontent within the country. The goal could be to destabilise Iran internally without firing a single shot. This isn't the first time such attempts have been made. In the past, there were unverified reports about Khamenei's health, including rumours of him being in a coma. However, those claims were later disproved when he appeared in public, seemingly in good health.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store