Former President Donald Trump has reaffirmed his willingness to authorize future military action against Iran’s nuclear program, stating the U.S. would “do it again, if necessary,” in response to recent comments from Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
Araghchi, speaking in an interview with Fox News, acknowledged that U.S. airstrikes on June 22 had caused serious damage to Iran’s nuclear enrichment facilities. While the Iranian diplomat did not specify whether enriched uranium was destroyed in the attacks, he confirmed that the damage had halted enrichment activities temporarily. He also indicated Iran would continue cooperating with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
In a post on Truth Social, Trump quoted Araghchi’s admission of the severity of the damage, saying:
“Of course they are [destroyed], just like I said, and we will do it again, if necessary!”
Trump criticized earlier reports—particularly one from CNN—which had suggested that the strikes had only delayed, rather than disabled, Iran’s nuclear capabilities. He interpreted Araghchi’s remarks as confirmation that the attacks significantly undermined Iran’s ability to develop nuclear weapons.
Despite acknowledging the damage, Araghchi emphasized that Iran would not abandon uranium enrichment. He framed the program as a matter of national pride, asserting:
“We cannot give up enrichment because it is an achievement of our own scientists. And now, more than that, it is a question of national pride.”
He added that if Iran can verify the peaceful intent of its nuclear program, it could lead to a lifting of sanctions, which he described as a “win-win” outcome for both Tehran and Washington.
The timing of these comments is significant, as they come ahead of planned nuclear talks between Iran and the European E3 powers—the U.K., France, and Germany—set to take place in Istanbul on Friday. These discussions are expected to address the future of Iran’s nuclear program, regional stability, and the potential path toward revived diplomatic engagement.
The IAEA has yet to confirm the full extent of the damage or the current status of Iran’s enriched uranium, further complicating international assessments.
This evolving situation underscores the fragile balance between military deterrence and diplomatic negotiation in addressing global nuclear tensions.
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