Iran has stopped uranium enrichment at all of its nuclear facilities, but the pause is the result of damage from US and Israeli airstrikes in June and not a voluntary diplomatic decision, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Sunday.
Araghchi told reporters that operations at key sites—including Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan—were disrupted after the attacks destroyed critical equipment and infrastructure. He stressed that Iran continues to uphold its right to pursue peaceful nuclear enrichment and will resume its program once repairs are completed.
According to the minister, the strikes affected advanced centrifuges, electrical systems, and auxiliary components essential for sustaining enrichment levels. Technical teams from the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran are overseeing restoration work, but no timeline has been provided for when full operations will restart.
Damage from June Attacks
Iran says the coordinated airstrikes significantly hindered its nuclear output. Officials report:
- Destruction of IR-6 and IR-8 centrifuges
- Disruption to power supplies at enrichment halls
- Structural damage to underground chambers
- Delays in the broader nuclear fuel cycle
Araghchi dismissed speculation that Iran had scaled back enrichment as a goodwill gesture or part of a renewed diplomatic initiative, calling such interpretations “inaccurate.”
International Response
The announcement has drawn immediate attention from global powers, with analysts noting that the halt may temporarily ease tensions but is unlikely to alter Iran’s long-term nuclear policy. Western officials have not publicly responded, but diplomatic sources say governments are assessing whether the pause could open space for renewed dialogue.
Regional observers warn that Iran’s pledge to restart enrichment after repairs could revive existing disputes if negotiations fail to move forward in the coming weeks.
Future Outlook
Iran maintains that its nuclear activities remain within the framework of international law under the Non-Proliferation Treaty. However, the extent of the damage and the uncertainty surrounding repair efforts suggest that Tehran’s enrichment capacity will remain limited for several months.
The situation adds to ongoing instability in an already volatile region, with the status of Iran’s nuclear program expected to remain a critical issue in global diplomatic discussions.
