Iran will not give up nuclear enrichment, top official confirms in exclusive Fox News interview

| Published July 22, 2025

‘We cannot give up enrichment because it is an achievement of our own scientists,’ Iran FM told Fox News’ Bret Baier in exclusive interview

🇮🇷 Iran “Cannot Give Up” Nuclear Enrichment

A senior Iranian official has declared that Iran will not abandon its uranium enrichment program, calling it “an achievement of our own scientists” and “a matter of national pride.” Despite recent damage to enrichment sites, the official emphasized that even though operations are temporarily halted for repairs, the country will “never give it up.” Proposals to outsource enrichment to a regional consortium were dismissed outright.

🏭 Damage to Nuclear Sites: How Severe?

In mid-June, U.S. and Israeli forces launched coordinated strikes targeting Iran’s Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan nuclear facilities. The attack involved bunker-buster munitions and was designed to cripple Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

Iran has confirmed that the facilities were “seriously damaged,” resulting in a temporary halt to enrichment. However, officials insist the program remains intact and can be restored.

While some U.S. analysts believe the strikes delayed Iran’s nuclear timeline by several years, others point out that two of the three major sites could be operable again within months, with only Fordow suffering significant long-term damage.

Technicians work inside of a uranium conversion facility producing unit just outside the city of Isfahan, about 254 miles (south of capital Tehran, Iran, at the heart of Iran’s nuclear program, March 30, 2005. (Getty Images)

An illustration showing a list of Iran’s nuclear facilities such as Arak’s heavy water nuclear reactor and the Natanz enrichment plant.   (FDD/Fox News)

🌐 Iran’s Diplomatic Posture Going Forward

Iran continues to insist its nuclear ambitions are peaceful and aligned with international treaty obligations. Officials say uranium enrichment is intended solely for civilian energy use and that the country remains committed to diplomacy—at least for now.

That said, there are growing warnings: if international sanctions are reimposed under UN “snapback” provisions, Iran may consider exiting global non-proliferation agreements. The country’s leadership has underscored that its scientific expertise cannot be bombed away, warning adversaries against further aggression.

Iranian leadership has also reiterated that it has no desire for nuclear weapons, citing political and religious principles. However, it stressed that Iran will not tolerate threats to its sovereignty or scientific progress, and reserves the right to respond to future attacks.

🔮 Implications of Iran’s Stance on Nuclear Enrichment

1. Regional Security Instability

Iran’s defiance heightens tensions across the Middle East. Neighboring countries—especially Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Gulf states—view enrichment as a threat, regardless of Iran’s stated peaceful intent. A continued program may trigger:

• Increased Israeli airstrikes or covert sabotage

• Heightened arms races, with regional players seeking countermeasures

• Expansion of proxy conflicts involving Hezbollah, Houthis, or militias in Iraq and Syria

2. Increased Risk of Military Confrontation

By signaling that it will not back down, even after precision strikes, Iran may provoke further U.S. or Israeli military actions. The risk of escalation into a broader regional war grows as:

• Iran rebuilds facilities

• The U.S. seeks to contain nuclear proliferation

• Miscalculations or unauthorized strikes occur

3. Breakdown of International Treaties

Iran’s warning about possibly exiting the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) could set a dangerous precedent. If Iran withdraws:

• Global nuclear norms may weaken

• Other non-nuclear states might follow suit

• Diplomatic pressure from Europe and Russia/China may intensify but prove ineffective

4. Complication of U.S. and Western Diplomatic Strategy

Iran’s refusal complicates efforts by the U.S., Europe, and allies to negotiate a new deal or revive the 2015 agreement. The situation undermines:

• Diplomatic credibility

• Leverage via sanctions (if Iran no longer fears them)

• Trust-building efforts, particularly if Iran refuses oversight

5. Nuclear Proliferation Beyond the Middle East

If Iran manages to preserve and rebuild its program under heavy pressure, other countries (e.g., Turkey, Egypt, or even non-Middle East actors) might be emboldened to pursue enrichment under the guise of “peaceful energy.” This could:

• Undermine global non-proliferation

• Increase the risk of secret weapons programs

• Trigger more aggressive policies from nuclear powers

6. Economic Pressures on Global Oil and Trade

Heightened tensions and potential conflict in the Strait of Hormuz—through which a significant portion of the world’s oil flows—could:

• Spike global oil prices

• Disrupt supply chains

• Increase inflationary pressures in already fragile economies

 Overall Takeaway:

Iran’s unwavering stance on its nuclear enrichment program reflects a deeper strategic message: it will not compromise on what it views as scientific sovereignty, national pride, and regional influence. Despite military setbacks and international pressure, Iranian leadership remains firm—signaling that bombs can damage buildings, but not erase knowledge or intent.

The recent strikes have not forced Iran into submission. Instead, they may have strengthened its resolve and recalibrated its diplomatic posture. As the region teeters between fragile diplomacy and open confrontation, the path forward grows more uncertain.

What’s clear is this: the nuclear question is no longer just about facilities or fuel—it’s about power, independence, and the boundaries of international enforcement. The world must now weigh its next steps carefully, as Iran doubles down and the window for a peaceful resolution narrows.

SOURCES: FOX NEWS – Iran will not give up nuclear enrichment, top official confirms in exclusive Fox News interview

THE GATEWAY PUNDIT – Iran Confirms to Fox News That ‘We Cannot Give Up’ Nuclear Program: ‘National Pride’

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