Iran to continue peaceful uranium enrichment despite U.S. attack, says deputy FM

Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi has reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to uranium enrichment within the framework of the NPT, emphasizing that no country can dictate Iran’s peaceful nuclear policies.

He condemned the recent U.S. strike on Iranian nuclear facilities as a "blatant act of aggression" and defended Iran’s right to respond under international law, according to Tehran Times.

Takht-Ravanchi strongly rejected Western demands for halting Iran’s nuclear activities following a U.S. military strike on Iranian nuclear infrastructure.

“We are a committed member of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and will continue uranium enrichment for peaceful purposes and to meet our national needs,” Takht-Ravanchi stated in an interview with Germany’s ARD television, according to Tehran Times. “As long as we remain within the framework of our NPT obligations, no one can tell us what to do or not to do.”

Responding to questions about Iran’s possible reaction to the US airstrikes, Takht-Ravanchi invoked Article 51 of the United Nations Charter: “As the victim of aggression, we have the right to self-defense, and that’s what we will do. This right is fully recognized under international law.”