Iran to keep enriching uranium even if it leads to war with US, says FM

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that the country will continue enriching uranium, even if it results in a conflict with the United States.

He made the remarks during a speech at the National Congress on Foreign Policy and the History of International Relations, Caliber.Az reports 

“Why have we insisted, and continue to insist, on enrichment and are not willing to give it up, even if war is imposed on us? Because no one has the right to tell us what we should or should not have,” Araghchi said.

The minister added that if the United States engages in dialogue with Iran based on mutual respect, Tehran will reciprocate. Otherwise, the republic intends to respond with force.

The speech came amid ongoing indirect nuclear negotiations with the United States, following a first round of talks mediated in Muscat, Oman, on February 6, 2026, involving Araghchi and US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. Those discussions were described by both sides as a "good start" focused exclusively on nuclear issues, with plans for a follow-up round soon. However, deep mistrust persists, rooted in events like the June 2025 Israel-Iran conflict (involving US/Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear sites) and broader regional tensions.

By Khagan Isayev