In a rare and revealing interview on Fox News’ Special Report, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stunned viewers Monday by confirming what many suspected but Tehran had previously denied — the regime’s uranium enrichment program has been halted due to last month’s devastating U.S. airstrikes.
“Our facilities have been damaged, seriously damaged,” Araghchi admitted to host Bret Baier. “The extent of which is now under evaluation… But as far as I know, they are seriously damaged.” That’s about as close to waving the white flag as you’ll get from a regime known for chest-pounding and denial.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi: "Our facilities have been damaged — seriously damaged … The facilities have been destroyed." pic.twitter.com/pqb6N1qWyU
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) July 22, 2025
The strikes, carried out jointly by U.S. and Israeli forces, targeted Iran’s nuclear infrastructure at Natanz, Isfahan, and the heavily fortified Fordow facility. According to a Pentagon battle damage assessment, the attacks set Iran’s nuclear ambitions back by at least two years — a strategic win with major geopolitical implications. The Fordow site, buried deep in a mountain and once considered untouchable, was disabled by U.S. bunker busters, reportedly without Israel’s participation due to their lack of similar munitions.
When pressed on whether Iran’s uranium enrichment was still active, Araghchi responded, “It is stopped because, yes, damages are serious and severe.” Still, he doubled down on Tehran’s long-standing narrative, calling the program a matter of “national pride” and refusing to say it would be permanently discontinued.
That pride, however, is looking a lot more dented than defiant.
While Araghchi repeated the tired line that the enrichment is for “peaceful purposes,” U.S. intelligence and the broader international community have long disagreed. President Trump has remained firm: no enrichment, no deal. And now, for the first time in years, that demand isn’t theoretical — it’s being enforced with steel and firepower.
When asked about future negotiations, Araghchi left the door open — cautiously. He acknowledged that talks aren’t likely “at this time” but added, “We are ready to do it once again,” referencing the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which President Trump dismantled in 2018.
The foreign minister tried to downplay the effectiveness of military action by insisting “the technology is there,” but when you’re publicly confirming that your nuclear program is not functioning, you’ve already lost the bluff.
Iran’s foreign minister said Tehran will not abandon its nuclear enrichment program despite damage from recent US airstrikes, but signaled openness to talks with Washington. Abbas Araghchi told Fox News Iran is ready for confidence-building steps to prove its program is peaceful. pic.twitter.com/RraiEfof4Z
— Iran International English (@IranIntl_En) July 22, 2025
Bottom line: Iran’s enrichment program is offline. Its facilities are in ruins. And the Trump doctrine of peace through strength is delivering results — no endless negotiations, no secret pallets of cash, just action.