Iran Remains Committed to Nuclear Program Despite Conflict, Foreign Minister Declares
Trend News Agency reports that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has asserted that Iran will not curtail its nuclear program, even following a recent conflict with Israel. Araqchi stated that the 12-day war only solidified Tehran’s resolve.
“We have invested too much in developing this technology. Scientists have died, our people have endured sanctions, and we have faced war. No one in Iran will abandon this program. It has always been under IAEA supervision,” Araqchi emphasized.
The conflict began on June 13th with Israeli airstrikes on Iranian territory, resulting in significant casualties, including top military officials such as the Chief of General Staff, Mohammad Bagheri, and the Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Hossein Salami. Several other high-ranking military officers and nuclear scientists were also killed.
In retaliation, Iran launched over 150 ballistic missiles and 100 drones at Tel Aviv and other Israeli locations, causing civilian casualties and substantial damage. On June 22nd, the United States Air Force conducted airstrikes, reportedly destroying Iranian nuclear facilities.
“We have completed our highly successful attack on three Iranian nuclear sites, including Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan. All aircraft are now outside Iranian airspace. Full bomb load was dropped on the primary Fordo site. All aircraft are returning home safely,” U.S. President Donald Trump posted on social media.
On June 23rd, Iran retaliated with airstrikes on a U.S. military base in Qatar. A temporary ceasefire was brokered by President Trump on June 24th.