TEHRAN – Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has made it clear that Iran will not return to nuclear negotiations unless the United States provides financial compensation for the destruction and loss caused during last month’s 12-day war, which saw U.S. and Israeli forces launch coordinated strikes on Iranian soil.
In an interview with the Financial Times, Araghchi stressed that the era of “business as usual” is over. “They must explain why they attacked us in the middle of negotiations,” he said. “And they have to compensate [Iran for] the damage that they have done.”
Araghchi, who serves as Iran’s chief nuclear negotiator, revealed that messages had been exchanged with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff both during and after the war. He noted that the path to diplomacy remained open, though narrow, and required “real confidence-building measures” from Washington, including financial reparation and guarantees against future aggression.
According to Iranian authorities, over 1,000 people, including senior military commanders and 13 nuclear scientists, were martyred in the attacks, while multiple civilian and nuclear sites, including the Fordow and Natanz enrichment facilities, were bombed by U.S. forces. A newly constructed third enrichment site near Isfahan was also targeted.
While Western media have reported on the extent of the damage, Araghchi emphasized that “buildings can be rebuilt, machines can be replaced,” affirming that Iran’s scientific and technical capabilities remain intact. “We have plenty of scientists and technicians who used to work in our facilities,” he said.
The foreign minister reiterated Iran’s longstanding position that its nuclear program is strictly peaceful, underpinned by a religious decree (fatwa) from Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei forbidding nuclear weapons.
However, Araghchi acknowledged the growing internal opposition to negotiations due to the breach of trust. “People are telling me, ‘Don’t waste your time anymore … if they come to negotiations it’s only a cover-up for their other intentions,’” he noted.
The veteran diplomat also pushed back strongly against threats by the U.S. and European states. U.S. President Donald Trump has recently warned of further military action if Iran resumes enrichment—remarks Araghchi dismissed as provocative and unlawful.
On the European front, Araghchi criticized the UK, France, and Germany for failing to uphold their obligations under the 2015 nuclear agreement (JCPOA) and warned against triggering the so-called “snapback” mechanism to reimpose UN sanctions. “If they do snap back, that means this is the end of the road for them,” he said, adding that there is currently “no reason to negotiate” with Europe given their lack of independent influence or will.
While Iran has temporarily suspended cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) following the strikes, Araghchi said talks with the UN nuclear watchdog could resume in the coming month to discuss a new framework for technical collaboration.
Despite heavy damage to several nuclear sites, Western officials admit Iran’s nuclear infrastructure remains largely intact, and enriched uranium stockpiles have not been fully eliminated. Araghchi declined to confirm the location of Iran’s 60% enriched uranium reserves but stated that enrichment capability is ready to be reactivated if required.