Iran has stated that it is no longer enriching uranium anywhere in the country, marking its most direct clarification since the conflict with Israel five months ago. The announcement comes amid renewed global scrutiny over Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Iran Confirms Complete Halt to Enrichment Activities
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said all nuclear facilities remain under the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards. He told the Associated Press that the recent attacks on Iranian nuclear sites had forced the country to suspend enrichment.
“There is no enrichment right now because our enrichment facilities have been attacked,” Araghchi told Associated Press.
He emphasized that Iran’s stance on its nuclear program has not changed despite the pause.
“Iran’s right for enrichment, for peaceful use of nuclear technology, including enrichment, is undeniable,” the foreign minister said.
“We have this right and we continue to exercise that and we hope that the international community, including the United States, recognize our rights and understand that this is an inalienable right of Iran and we would never give up our rights.”
Journalists Granted Limited Access During Diplomatic Summit
Iran issued a three-day visa for a select group of international media, including Associated Press and major British outlets, to cover a summit organized by the Institute for Political and International Studies, an entity linked to the Foreign Ministry.
The conference, titled “International Law Under Assault: Aggression and Self-Defense,” featured papers presenting Tehran’s narrative of the 12-day June war. Several Iranian analysts highlighted remarks from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who praised Israel for doing the “dirty work” in initiating the attack.
Iranian Analysts Defend Tehran’s Response
One of the presenters, Mohammad Kazem Sajjadpour, drew sharp contrasts between actions by Iran and Israel.
“Iran’s defensive response was remarkable, inspiring, historic and above all, pure,” he wrote. “How can one possibly compare Israel’s dirty deeds to the noble and clean actions of the Iranian nation?”
The summit venue — the Martyr General Qassem Soleimani Building — displayed graphic images of children reportedly killed by Israeli attacks, reinforcing Tehran’s messaging.
Heavy Losses Reported on Both Sides
Iran claims that at least 900 military personnel, including IRGC members, security forces, and nuclear scientists, were killed as Israel targeted air defense networks and strategic facilities.
Israeli reports indicate that:
- 65% of Iranian ballistic missile launchers were destroyed
- 800–1,000 missiles were eliminated before they could be launched
Israel also suffered infrastructure damage, with dozens of sites — including hundreds of homes — reportedly affected during the intense 12-day war.
