Iran Defends Uranium Enrichment Ahead of Istanbul Talks with Europe

Iran has reaffirmed its unshakable right to enrich uranium ahead of key talks in Istanbul with European powers—Britain, France, and Germany—who are threatening to reimpose nuclear sanctions. These talks come after Israel's mid-June attacks on Iranian nuclear and military sites, which led to a 12-day conflict involving the United States striking Iranian nuclear facilities alongside Israel. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized that Iran will continue its uranium enrichment and will defend the Iranian people's rights, signaling no change in their position despite recent hostilities. Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi indicated willingness to resume nuclear negotiations with the U.S. only if trust is rebuilt and no hidden agendas such as military action exist. The meeting, at the deputy foreign minister level, aims to discuss sanctions relief and Iran's nuclear program, continuing the path of previous discussions amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. The 2015 nuclear deal remains a backdrop to these talks, although the U.S. exited the agreement in 2018 and reimposed sanctions, while European nations have sought to maintain the accord and avoid reinstating UN and EU sanctions.