Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated on Monday, July 03, that Iran will not abandon its uranium enrichment program, despite significant damage inflicted by recent US and Israeli airstrikes in June 2024. Araghchi, in an interview with Fox News, emphasized that the program is a matter of national pride and the achievement of Iranian scientists. While expressing openness to talks with the US, he specified that direct talks are not currently feasible. He proposed confidence-building measures to demonstrate the peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear program in exchange for the lifting of US sanctions. Araghchi reiterated Iran's willingness to pursue a negotiated solution, similar to the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

The June 13-24, 2024, airstrikes, involving both Israel and the US, targeted Iranian military and nuclear sites, resulting in significant casualties in both Iran (over 900) and Israel (at least 28) before a ceasefire was declared. The Pentagon claimed the attacks set back Iran's nuclear program by one to two years. Araghchi indicated that Iran's Atomic Energy Organisation is assessing the damage and will inform the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) soon. He also noted that while cooperation with the IAEA has not stopped, the recent suspension of cooperation by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian following a June 12 IAEA resolution accusing Iran of non-compliance remains in place. Talks between Iran, France, Germany, and the UK are scheduled for Friday in Türkiye.

The breakdown of US-Iran nuclear talks in May 2024 preceded the June 2024 attacks, and the future of these negotiations is uncertain. The European parties to the JCPOA have warned that a failure by Iran to resume negotiations could result in the reimposition of international sanctions.

Impact Statement: Iran's continued commitment to uranium enrichment significantly complicates efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region and revive international nuclear negotiations.