Majid Takht-Ravanchi, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister has declared unequivocally that Tehran will continue enriching uranium regardless of recent U.S. and Israeli strikes on its nuclear infrastructure. Speaking on German television, he underscored Iran’s determination: “Nobody can tell us what to do so long as it falls within the framework of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. No one should dictate our policy to us!”
Context and Fallout
In mid-June, the U.S. launched airstrikes against Iran’s nuclear sites at Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan. According to Western officials, these strikes caused significant damage to enrichment infrastructure; Tehran condemned these as acts of aggression and threatened “everlasting consequences”. Its En Wikipedia for more details; Al Jazeera English has more coverage as does Times of Israel Online
+6 Furthermore, according to a senior Iranian official, much of Iran’s 60% enriched uranium stockpile had been relocated in order to protect critical nuclear material from attacks.
AAPnews.com +6, Reuters +6 and Time +6 all report similar statements by senior Iranian officials regarding this relocation effort prior to strikes by U.S. forces.
Takht-Ravanchi Reiterates Resolute Position
In an ARD interview, Takht-Ravanchi denied any suggestion that strikes should halt enrichment operations; instead he reiterated Iran’s rights under the NPT, affirming its right to enrich for peaceful energy needs unimpeded. [http://en.apa.az|tasnimnews.com | shafaq]
He referred to Iran’s compliance with inspection protocols: “We are true members of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. However, state sources report that Iran may reduce future IAEA inspections and take measures autonomously to safeguard its nuclear assets.”
(tasnimnews.com).
Diplomatic Landscape: Talks Are On Hold
Self-paced enrichment runs counter to Western demands. Iran had engaged in indirect talks with the U.S. in Oman, proposing temporary caps. But enrichment now forms the core of Tehran’s negotiating stance.
En.wikipedia.org + 1 Wsj
European-led negotiations in Geneva between UK, Germany and France are currently at an impasse, due to intensified regional military actions including Israel’s strikes.
En.wikipedia.org
Iran Continues Nuclear Build-Up
According to IAEA data released early June, Iran now had 408.6 kg of 60%-enriched uranium which could provide multiple weapons-grade breakthroughs if further refined; this marked an almost 50% increase from February. For more details and updates visit: en.wikipedia.org +2alitat +2Apnews.com
As Iran maintains that its nuclear program is solely civilian, enriched material remains under IAEA inspection; analysts caution, however, that additional enrichment capacity or reduced inspections could increase weaponization potential. [sources: English.news.cn, Reuter’s and Apnews].
Regional and Global Fallout Takht-Ravanchi’s remarks came amid rising rhetoric. Iran’s Foreign Ministry asserted U.S. and Israeli strikes violate international law as well as the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT), while officials pledged a measured yet determined response (En.wikipedia.org | TimesofIsrael| TimesofIsrael | timesofIsrael). For more details please see; [EN: Wikipedia | Times ofIsrael | En:APAAZ].
As Iran accelerates its enrichment activities, Western countries–primarily the U.S. and EU–are faced with increasingly complex policy choices: whether to increase pressure through sanctions and military means or resume diplomatic talks.
Iran Will Continue Its Enrichment Operations Iran plans on continuing and potentially expanding its enrichment activities, asserting their treaty rights as they go.
IAEA Tension
Inspection pushback may erode trust and transparency.
Diplomatic Freeze
Talks between Israel and the US remain in an impasse; European mediation lacks momentum, and military actions remain ongoing.
Escalation Risk
Increased enrichment may prompt additional Western measures – either unilaterally or multilaterally.
Bottom Line: Iran’s refusal to stop enrichment demonstrates its firm commitment to nuclear sovereignty despite international pressure and military threats. With diplomacy frozen up and military confrontation on the horizon, Tehran has made clear its intention not to be coerced into abandoning what they argue are lawful nuclear pursuits.