Iran’s uranium stock enriched to 60 percent, referred to as Iran uranium stock, remains buried under rubble from recent US and Israeli strikes, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed. He emphasized that Iran uranium stock will not be recovered until conditions allow. “Almost all of the material lies under the rubble, and we will not retrieve it until circumstances permit,” Araghchi said. He added that the exact status of the uranium, whether intact or destroyed, remains uncertain.
The strikes occurred during a 12-day conflict in June, which targeted Iran’s nuclear facilities in Isfahan, Natanz, and Fordow. While the operations significantly damaged the infrastructure, they did not eliminate Iran’s nuclear expertise, Araghchi noted. “Our facilities were hit hard, but technology cannot be bombed,” he said. “Our determination has even grown stronger after the war.”
Iran has repeatedly denied seeking nuclear weapons and accused Western powers of exploiting a technical dispute with the International Atomic Energy Agency to justify sanctions. Tehran has also refused to allow IAEA inspectors to resume monitoring activities at its nuclear sites since the attacks.
When asked about direct negotiations with the United States, Araghchi explained that Iran prefers indirect channels. “Direct talks have historically produced no results. Indirect negotiations can achieve the same outcomes,” he said. He stressed that any future discussions require Washington to negotiate from an equal footing and with mutual interests in mind.
The minister also highlighted Iran’s postwar regional strategy, emphasizing stronger cooperation with neighboring countries. “Our priority is our neighbors. We will expand our policy of good neighborliness after the war,” he said. “We engage with the West, but we do not take dictation.”
Regarding nuclear diplomacy, Araghchi said Iran remains open to restoring the framework of the 2015 nuclear deal. “Confidence-building on our nuclear program could lead to sanction relief,” he explained. However, he drew a firm line on Iran’s defense programs, insisting they remain non-negotiable.
Earlier US-Iran negotiations under a 60-day deadline failed, prompting Israel to launch a surprise offensive on June 13, followed by US strikes on June 22. The IAEA continues to seek access to assess the condition of Iran uranium stock and verify enrichment levels. As Iran emphasizes diplomacy and regional engagement, the status of its nuclear program and uranium reserves remains a central concern for international security.