Iran says all enrichment halted after strikes, signals openness to new nuclear talks

Tehran pauses enrichment amid tensions

Iran’s foreign minister said that Tehran is no longer enriching uranium at any of its sites, signalling to Western governments that it remains open to potential talks over its nuclear programme, the Associated Press reported from Tehran.

Responding to a question from an AP journalist visiting Iran, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi gave the clearest statement yet from the government regarding its atomic activities following the bombing of its enrichment sites by Israel and the United States in June during their 12-day conflict.

“There is no undeclared nuclear enrichment in Iran. All of our facilities are under the safeguards and monitoring of the International Atomic Energy Agency,” Araghchi said. “There is no enrichment right now because our facilities — our enrichment facilities — have been attacked.”

Asked what conditions might allow talks with the US and other countries to resume, Araghchi insisted Iran’s position remained “clear.” “Iran's right for enrichment, for peaceful use of nuclear technology, including enrichment, is undeniable,” he said. “We have this right and we continue to exercise that and we hope that the international community, including the United States, recognise our rights and understand that this is an inalienable right of Iran and we would never give up our rights.”

According to AP, Iran issued a three-day visa for the visiting AP reporter to attend a summit alongside journalists from major British and international outlets.

Mohammad Eslami, head of the Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran, also addressed the gathering and said Tehran had been threatened over attempts to access its bombed facilities. Satellite images reviewed by AP indicate no major work has taken place at Fordo, Isfahan or Natanz since the June strikes.

“Our security situation hasn't yet changed. If you watch the news, you see that every day we are being threatened with another attack,” Eslami said. “Every day we are told if you touch anything you'll be attacked.”

Iran had previously enriched uranium up to 60 per cent purity — a short technical step from weapons-grade levels — after US president Donald Trump withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal in 2018.

European governments pushed through a measure in September to reimpose UN sanctions on Iran over its nuclear activities, and the IAEA Board of Governors is expected to consider a new resolution this week criticising Iran for insufficient cooperation.

Araghchi, however, did not rule out future engagement with Washington. He said the current US approach showed no readiness for “equal, fair negotiations to reach mutual interests,” adding: “What we have seen from the Americans so far has actually been an effort to dictate their demands, which are maximalist and excessive. We see no chance for dialogue in the face of such demands.”

The summit, organised by Iran’s Institute for Political and International Studies and titled “International Law Under Assault: Aggression and Self-Defence,” featured Iranian analysts defending Tehran’s conduct in the June conflict. Many cited remarks by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who praised Israel for doing the “dirty work” in launching the attack.

“Iran's defensive response was remarkable, inspiring, historic and above all, pure,” wrote Iranian academic Mohammad Kazem Sajjadpour. “How can one possibly compare Israel's dirty deeds to the noble and clean actions of the Iranian nation?”

Images of children killed during the conflict lined the walkway leading into the Martyr General Qassem Soleimani Building, where the event was held.

AP noted that Iran is navigating a vulnerable moment after the war. Israeli strikes severely weakened the country’s air defences, raising fears of further attacks. At the same time, Tehran faces internal pressure over economic strains and social tensions, including unresolved decisions on enforcing hijab laws and adjusting fuel prices — both issues that have previously sparked nationwide protests.