Iran shares update on nuclear enrichment, Europe issues threats

Iran still possesses the technical ability and expertise to resume uranium enrichment, according to Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, despite recent damage to nuclear facilities. The statement comes amid rising international tensions and warnings from European powers.

Enrichment capabilities intact

In a recent interview with the Financial Times, Araghchi said Iran retains the necessary experts, equipment and technology to restart enrichment efforts — even after U.S. airstrikes targeted multiple nuclear sites. “Buildings can be rebuilt. Machines can be replaced, because the technology is there. We have plenty of scientists and technicians who used to work in our facilities,” Araghchi said. “But when and how we restart our enrichment depends on the circumstances.” Araghchi added that he was unaware of the current location of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile, which he said had been moved before the U.S. strikes ordered by President Donald Trump.

Conflicting damage reports

Israeli officials claim the strikes severely damaged Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, but did not fully destroy it, merely delaying its program. Trump, however, said the U.S. had “completely obliterated” the underground facilities at Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan.

Missing uranium stockpile

Western intelligence officials are increasingly concerned about the disappearance of more than 400 kilograms of enriched uranium. The International Atomic Energy Agency believes it was relocated by Iran during the conflict. The IAEA has long reported Iran’s non-compliance regarding “undeclared nuclear material” and related activities at “multiple undeclared locations.” Under growing scrutiny, the agency later revealed an enrichment facility near Isfahan — confirmed by Araghchi to have been among those bombed by the U.S.

European threats

France, the U.K. and Germany have told the United Nations they are prepared to reinstate snapback sanctions on Iran if it fails to return to diplomatic talks over its nuclear program. “We have made it clear that if Iran is not willing to reach a diplomatic solution before the end of August 2025, or does not seize the opportunity of an extension, E3 are prepared to trigger the snapback mechanism,” the countries’ foreign ministers wrote in a letter obtained by the Financial Times.

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