Tehran: Iran cannot give up its nuclear enrichment programme, which suffered major damage in recent U.S. airstrikes, Iranian Foreign Minister, Seyed Abbas Araghchi told U.S. media, yesterday.

According to Nam News Network, Araghchi informed Fox News in an interview via video link that Iran’s nuclear facilities have been significantly damaged. The extent of the damage is currently being evaluated by Iran’s atomic energy organisation. Araghchi noted that the damage has temporarily halted Iran’s enrichment capabilities.

On June 22, the U.S. Air Force targeted three Iranian nuclear facilities located in Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan. The Pentagon’s assessment indicated that the airstrikes have set back Tehran’s nuclear programme by one to two years.

In response to the U.S. actions, Iran launched multiple missile and drone attacks on Israeli territory, resulting in casualties and damage. A ceasefire between Iran and Israel was established on June 24, following the retaliatory strikes.

The escalation in hostilities led to the cancellation of the sixth round of indirect nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States, which was scheduled to take place in Oman on June 15.

After the Fox News interview, U.S. President Donald Trump commented on Truth Social, stating that the damages to Iran’s nuclear sites were very severe and affirmed the U.S. readiness to take similar actions again if deemed necessary.