Iran demands no more attacks before nuclear talks

Speaking to foreign diplomats in Tehran, Araghchi stated, “Iran has always been ready and will be ready in the future for talks about its nuclear program,” but emphasized that “assurance should be provided that in case of a resumption of talks; the trend will not lead to war.”

The comments come amid heightened tensions following a 12-day Israeli bombardment of Iran’s nuclear and military sites, and a U.S. airstrike on June 22. Referring to these incidents, Araghchi warned that “if the U.S. and others wish to resume talks with Iran, first of all, there should be a firm guarantee that such actions will not be repeated. The attack on Iran's nuclear facilities has made it more difficult and complicated to achieve a solution based on negotiations.”

In response to the strikes, Iran suspended its cooperation with the U.N. nuclear watchdog, prompting inspectors to leave the country. Araghchi noted that under Iranian law, future cooperation would be considered “case by case,” based on national interests.

He added that inspections must respect Iran's “security” concerns and the safety of international inspectors, citing risks from radioactive materials and unexploded ordnance at bombed sites.

Araghchi also reaffirmed Iran’s stance on enriching uranium within its own territory — a position rejected by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Israel has justified its actions by claiming Iran was nearing the capability to produce a nuclear weapon. However, U.S. intelligence agencies and the International Atomic Energy Agency assess that Iran halted an organized nuclear weapons program in 2003, though the country has been enriching uranium to 60% — close to the 90% weapons-grade level.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in an interview published Monday that the U.S. airstrikes caused such extensive damage that Iranian authorities have still been unable to access the impacted nuclear sites to fully assess the destruction, reports UNB.