Araghchi: Bombs Can't Erase Iran's Nuclear Know How

(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer) Tehran- Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has asserted that the country's nuclear expertise remains intact despite a 12-day joint Israeli-American military campaign targeting its nuclear facilities, vowing a rapid recovery and warning against expectations of a quick return to diplomatic talks.

In an interview aired Tuesday by CBS News, Araghchi dismissed U.S. President Donald Trump's claim that American strikes had“obliterated” Iran's nuclear capabilities, citing Pentagon assessments that contradicted the White House's statement.“One cannot obliterate the technology and science for [peaceful uranium] enrichment through bombings,” Araghchi said, emphasizing that Iran's nuclear knowledge was indestructible and that the country is fully capable of repairing damage and resuming its program.

The remarks follow Israel's unprovoked military assault on June 13, which triggered a 12-day conflict and saw U.S. forces join late in the campaign, striking key nuclear sites in central and north-central Iran. Despite the coordinated attacks, Araghchi underscored Iran's resolve, noting that the nuclear program had become a source of national pride and public unity during the war.“During the war, we demonstrated and proved our ability to defend ourselves,” he said.

The top diplomat also made it clear that Tehran is not prepared to resume nuclear negotiations with Washington in the near future. Talks, which began in April through Omani mediation and spanned six rounds, had already stalled due to U.S. demands-amplified by Israel-that Iran completely cease uranium enrichment. Those conditions have been categorically rejected by Iranian officials.

“I don't think negotiations will restart as quickly as that,” Araghchi stated, adding that Iran would need solid guarantees the U.S. would not return to military threats during any renewed diplomatic process.“We still need more time,” he said.

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The recent military escalation has cast a long shadow over diplomacy, with Iranian officials now openly questioning U.S. intentions and urging caution against placing trust in further talks while hostilities remain a possibility.

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