Iran will not give up nuclear enrichment: FM Araghchi

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has made it clear that Tehran cannot give up on its nuclear enrichment program, even as it was severely damaged during the recent Israel-Iran war in which Washington bombed Iran’s nuclear facilities. “It is stopped because, yes, damages are serious and severe. But obviously we cannot give up of enrichment because it is an achievement of our own scientists. And now, more than that, it is a question of national pride,” the foreign minister tells the Fox News show “Special Report with Bret Baier”.
The foreign minister confirmed that the extent of the damage to its nuclear facilities caused by the U.S. strikes last month was "serious," but he would not comment on whether any enriched uranium survived the strikes.Iran has maintained that it was not seeking a nuclear weapon, but in the lead up to the Israeli and U.S. strikes, security experts were sounding the alarm that Tehran was likely capable of producing at least one nuclear weapon in a matter of days, and several warheads in a matter of weeks. 
While nuclear enrichment is a process needed for nations that also rely on nuclear power, Iran’s nuclear energy usage amounts to less than one percent of the nation's energy consumption. The U.S. has suggested that given the low amounts of nuclear energy which Iran relies on, it should join a consortium that could potentially involve nations like the UAE and Saudi Arabia for its enriched uranium needs for civil nuclear power use. But Iran has repeatedly rejected this proposal, with Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei also referring to Tehran’s capabilities as a source of national pride.

Meanwhile, The White House Press Secretary Leavitt told reporters on Monday thatPresident Donald Trump "has been very clear when it comes to his priorities for Iran, he obliterated their nuclear capability, and I understand that the administration continues to be open to talks with Iran if we deem them necessary."