Iran's foreign minister on Monday insisted Iran would not give up enrichment and the United States has no way to end it militarily, hours after US President Donald Trump vowed to wipe out Iran's nuclear sites again if it revived its activities.
"All should know that we Iranians have NOT BOUGHT our PEACEFUL nuclear program; we have BUILT IT WITH BLOOD, SWEAT, AND TEARS," Araghchi posted on X on Monday.
"Yes, our enrichment facilities are severely damaged, but our DETERMINATION IS NOT."
Trump earlier in the day warned that if the Islamic Republic moved toward any form of nuclear weapons capability, he would not hesitate to carry out further strikes.
“They can start again. If they do, we'll wipe it out faster than you can wave your finger at it. We'll have to do that. We will do that gladly, openly and gladly,” Trump said.
On Sunday, Trump rapped previous statements by Araghchi, saying Iran is “stupid” to insist on uranium enrichment.
"They still talk about enrichment. I mean, who would do that? ... How stupid can you be to say that?" Trump said.
On his message on X, Araghchi said the damage of the military strike were severe, but Iran will follow through with enrichment plans.
“The technology and know-how that our formidable human resources have developed cannot be destroyed by bombings. Yes, our enrichment facilities are severely damaged, but our determination is not,” Araghchi said.
"Iran knows exactly what happened during the recent American-Israeli aggression, both to us and our adversaries, including the extent of blows that are still being censored," Araghchi added.
Iran fired 13 missiles towards the United Stated Al Udeid based on Qatar on June 23 and one day after US attack on nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz and Esfahan.
At the time, President Trump said "13 (missiles) were knocked down, and 1 was ‘set free,’ because it was headed in a nonthreatening direction."
Iran International reported on July 11 citing satellite imagery that a cutting-edge communications hub within the United States base in Qatar was apparently destroyed due to Iran missile attack.
Israel launched a 12-day military campaign against Iran on June 13, killing hundreds of Iranian military personnel, nuclear scientists and civilians. In retaliation, missile strikes by Iran killed 29 Israeli civilians.
