In a rare appearance on U.S. media, Iranian regime Foreign Affairs Minister Abbas Araghchi used a Fox News interview to promote a misleading narrative of Iran’s nuclear program and foreign policy, while sparking criticism from within the regime’s own political establishment.
In the July 22 interview, Araghchi asserted that Iran regime’s nuclear program is entirely peaceful and denied that the regime had ever produced weapons-grade uranium. He claimed that Iran only enriched uranium up to 60% following acts of sabotage against its facilities. Civilian nuclear programs typically require enrichment only up to 5%, and experts note that uranium enriched to 60% is a short technical step away from weapons-grade material.
Araghchi also insisted that Iran had never pursued a 90% enrichment level. However, international watchdogs and intelligence sources have offered a different picture. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported in May 2025 that Iran had carried out undeclared nuclear activities at three sites until the early 2000s, including implosion tests in 2003 indicative of weapons development. Axios reported in 2024 that Iran was conducting computer simulations that could support nuclear weapons R&D, based on U.S. and Israeli intelligence. Iran has also constructed massive enrichment facilities, including those at Fordow and Natanz, which analysts argue are unnecessary for civilian energy use but crucial for developing a nuclear arsenal.
Downplaying the Regime’s Threats
Araghchi attempted to soften Iran’s hostile posture toward the West. He said Iran’s well-known “Death to America” slogan does not target American citizens or officials and claimed it has never been Iran’s official policy to assassinate U.S. leaders. He also denied that Iran seeks to “wipe Israel from the map.”
These statements are contradicted by a long history of rhetoric and actions from Tehran. Senior Iranian regime officials, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, have repeatedly stated their desire to destroy the Israeli state. Iran’s regime has backed a network of proxy militias across the region to fight the U.S. U.S. intelligence has publicly confirmed credible threats against US President Donald Trump, attributed to Iranian regime actors.
Asserting Iran’s “Right” to Enrichment and Missiles
Araghchi reiterated Iran regime’s stance that it will not abandon uranium enrichment on Iranian soil. He claimed enrichment had “now stopped” due to “serious and severe” damage inflicted by U.S. and Israeli strikes, but emphasized that the regime would never permanently halt the program, calling domestic enrichment a matter of “national pride.” He added that the regime would not rely on imported fuel for its nuclear reactors.
Similarly, Araghchi rejected any future deal that would limit Iran regime’s missile program, calling it the country’s “most reliable means of defense.” He insisted Iran regime’s missiles are for defensive purposes only.
Internal Regime Divisions Emerge
Araghchi’s comments triggered backlash from hardliners within the Iranian regime. On July 22, media outlets affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) accused Araghchi of committing “two strategic errors” in the Fox interview—admitting that enrichment had stopped and minimizing Iran regime’s threats against U.S. leaders. The article warned that such remarks could be seen as signs of weakness and invite greater Western pressure.
Similar criticism followed President Masoud Pezeshkian’s July 7 interview with American broadcaster Tucker Carlson, during which he failed to explicitly endorse religious edicts calling for the death of Trump. Some ultraconservative lawmakers accused him of undermining national unity.
Supreme Leader Khamenei appeared to address the issue on July 16, stating that anyone expressing opposition to the regime’s diplomatic or military policies must do so in line with the regime’s official stance. His remarks likely targeted the so-called reformist figures seen as too conciliatory or open to renewed nuclear negotiations with the U.S. following the recent 12-day Israel-Iran war.
Conclusion
Araghchi’s interview underscores the Iranian regime’s ongoing efforts to shape international perceptions of its nuclear and military policies, even as domestic political divisions threaten to unravel any unified diplomatic strategy. While Iranian regime officials seek to project moderation abroad, internal rifts and past evidence continue to cast doubt on the regime’s true intentions.
