Exclusive | US resorted to military aggression after failing to impose 'zero enrichment' on Iran: Araghchi
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
Aug 20, 2025
Tehran, IRNA -- Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says recent military aggression by the United States, carried out in coordination with Israel, was driven by Washington's frustration over its failure to compel Iran to abandon uranium enrichment entirely.
Araghchi made the remarks during an in-depth interview with IRNA's "Diplomacy Table" program during his recent visit to the news agency's headquarters in Tehran.
Responding to a question about whether the demand for "zero enrichment" had been raised from the start of the Oman-mediated indirect talks between Iran and the US, Araghchi explained that Washington had consistently insisted that Iran should not have the capability to build nuclear weapons, a goal that, in their view, necessitated a complete halt to enrichment.
"Some convinced them that as long as enrichment exists, the potential for nuclear weapons will always remain. Therefore, their demand became zero enrichment, which we completely resisted," he said.
Araghchi reaffirmed Iran's longstanding position on nuclear weapons, emphasizing that the country has never pursued them, citing a religious decree issued by Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei.
"Our policy is clear: we do not seek nuclear weapons. But we do insist on our right to enrichment for peaceful purposes, as well as to preserve the scientific achievements we have made independently," he stated.
US abandoned operational plans
Referring to multiple rounds of negotiations with the US team, Araghchi noted that several workable proposals had been discussed. However, he said these were ultimately abandoned due to pressure from influential lobbying groups in Washington.
"Yes, we had several operational plans to strike a balance between enrichment and non-proliferation. These were seriously considered during the talks. But once they returned to Washington, certain actors persuaded them to insist on 'zero enrichment,'" he added.
Araghchi said he still believes in diplomacy, despite being labeled by some as "politically optimistic" and by others as "too conservative."
"We must continue to exercise full authority within the scope of the foreign minister's responsibilities. I haven't become conservative, our negotiations were planned by the Foreign Ministry well before the war, and we were able to move forward within a clearly defined framework," he said.
Referring to the foreign policy direction of President Masoud Pezeshkian's administration, Araghchi said Tehran remains committed to expanding diplomatic engagement both regionally and globally.
"We have never shied away from diplomatic interactions with Western countries, including the United States. Everyone witnessed five rounds of negotiations with Washington, which ultimately led to war, which was a violation of international law and norms," he said. "Our approach has always been to rely on negotiations and diplomatic tools in foreign relations."
National interests take precedence
Araghchi stressed that the administration remains firmly committed to defending national interests at all times.
"Just as we stood firm during the war, with seriousness, strength, and authority, we fought, resisted, and saw the results. If necessary, we will stand with the same resolve in negotiations to protect the country's interests," he asserted.
The top diplomat rejected the notion that war is inherently sacred and that diplomacy with the West is inherently evil.
"It's a false and unrealistic belief that war is always holy and negotiation is always dirty," he said. "Both war and diplomacy are tools used by states to achieve their goals. Diplomacy is often cheaper and less risky, though sometimes it can cost more than war. Neither is inherently good or evil, it depends entirely on the circumstances and how each tool is used."
Regional diplomacy proved effective
Araghchi highlighted the administration's success in pursuing diplomatic efforts with neighboring and friendly countries.
"Before the 12-day war, we came close to conflict at least three other times. In each case, diplomacy was activated and played a crucial role," he noted.
He shared insights from his travels across the region. "I realized that war is in no one's interest. If it spreads, it will have devastating consequences for all," he warned, pointing to an Israeli plot to weaken and divide others to achieve its objectives.
While diplomacy played a key role, Araghchi emphasized that Iran's strength and readiness were decisive.
"Diplomacy was effective, but it was the Islamic Republic's ability to respond forcefully that ultimately discouraged the enemy from continuing the war," he said. "Sometimes, war becomes inevitable, especially when one side, like the United States, insists on achieving something we consider impossible."
In response to a question on possible plans for post-war negotiations, Araghchi said the Foreign Ministry would implement decisions regarding whom to negotiate with, how, where, and what strategy to pursue, once those decisions are made by the Supreme National Security Council.
"People may or may not criticize us," he said. "Our strength and weakness lie in how we implement the Council's decisions. The path and choices are determined within the governing system, which goes beyond the government itself. We are tasked with operating within that framework."
Cooperation with the IAEA
Araghchi also addressed the recent visit of the Deputy Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to Tehran. He noted that the UN nuclear watchdog had been briefed on the new conditions following the bombing of Iran's nuclear facilities, adding that there is no precedent for how to deal with bombed sites.
Regarding the outcome of Massimo Aparo's visit, Araghchi described it as positive, saying it allowed Tehran to "document and present its set of views on a possible modality based on the parliamentary law."
"We will likely send colleagues to Vienna for another round of negotiations," he revealed. "We cannot completely sever cooperation with the Agency, but the return of inspectors will depend on parliamentary law and the approval of the Supreme National Security Council."
Commenting on the IAEA's reluctance to condemn Israeli-US aggression, Araghchi emphasized, "We have not reached the point of cutting off cooperation with the Agency, but future cooperation will certainly not resemble the past."
Contact with the European Troika
Regarding recent talks with Britain, France, and Germany—collectively known as the E3 or European Troika—Araghchi said, "We are currently assessing whether there is a foundation for genuine negotiations and meaningful exchange with the trio."
He dismissed the idea of "negotiations for the sake of negotiations."
Snapback threat
Araghchi argued that the Europeans now view the snapback mechanism as their only leverage over Iran. However, he insisted they have no legitimate right to invoke it, as their recent positions, including calls for "zero enrichment", effectively amount to withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal.
Referring to UN Security Council Resolution 2231, he stressed that the Council and its resolutions no longer carry the same weight.
The resolutions were neither able to prevent war nor to stop illegal sanctions, Araghchi pointed out.
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