Iran Defends Nuclear Enrichment Rights Ahead of Europe Talks

Iran, led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, has reiterated its firm stance on continuing its uranium enrichment program, describing it as a national pride and an achievement of Iranian scientists despite recent damages from US and Israeli strikes. The upcoming negotiations in Istanbul with European nations—France, Britain, and Germany—will focus on sanctions relief and Iran's nuclear program, with Iran maintaining it will not abandon its enrichment activities. Araghchi emphasized that while the enrichment program was temporarily halted due to serious damage inflicted on nuclear sites such as Natanz and Fordow, Iran remains committed to advancing its nuclear rights responsibly and rejects proposals to cease enrichment in favor of shared arrangements with other countries. Tehran asserts its nuclear program is for peaceful civilian purposes, contrasting with US and NATO concerns about weaponization. The talks continue a pattern of firm Iranian messaging underscoring their refusal to compromise on enrichment despite international pressure and recent conflict-related setbacks. Iran also confirmed its Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's good health and openness to indirect talks with Washington for the time being.