Majid Takht-Ravanchi, Iran's Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, stated on the 3rd (local time) that the country's nuclear facilities have suffered significant damage from airstrikes by Israel and the United States, but it will continue its nuclear enrichment activities.
Vice Minister Takht-Ravanchi said in an interview with NBC News that "our policy on enrichment remains unchanged," adding that "Iran has the full right to carry out enrichment activities within its territory."
He emphasized that the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) does not restrict the peaceful use of nuclear energy, stating, "The only thing we must adhere to is not to militarize (nuclear energy)."
However, he expressed a willingness to communicate with the international community regarding nuclear enrichment. Vice Minister Takht-Ravanchi said, "I am prepared to engage with others to discuss the scope, level, and capabilities of the enrichment program."
Vice Minister Takht-Ravanchi said regarding the possibility of further retaliation targeting the United States, "We will not respond again unless the U.S. carries out aggressive acts against us."
He condemned the airstrikes that were carried out under the orders of U.S. President Donald Trump early on the 22nd of last month, stating they caused "severe damage" to Iran's nuclear program, and labeled it as an "overt act of aggression." At that time, the U.S. Air Force precision bombed three nuclear sites in Iran, including Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.
Vice Minister Takht-Ravanchi pointed out that the United States had launched a surprise attack while demanding a complete halt to nuclear enrichment and negotiating with Iran, questioning, "How can we trust the United States?"
He added, "We support diplomacy. We support dialogue," but emphasized that "the U.S. must ensure that it will not use military force during negotiations. This is a key factor for our leadership to make decisions regarding future meetings."