Iran to continue uranium enrichment despite looming Israeli airstrikes on nuclear facilities

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian criticized the resolution passed against his country by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), vowing to continue uranium enrichment activities.

Speaking during a visit to Ilam province, Pezeshkian responded to the resolution led by the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany, calling it an act of “malice.”

“Today, the UK, France, and Germany passed a resolution against Iran,” he said. “I don’t understand what I should do to stop their malicious actions and ensure the people of this country live independently on their own feet.”

Pezeshkian reaffirmed that Iran would pursue its peaceful nuclear activities: “We will continue on our path and proceed with (uranium) enrichment. We will build this country with our youth and scientists. Even if they bomb our facilities, all this knowledge is in our minds, and we will rebuild no matter what they do.”

He also called on all factions within Iran to set aside their differences and unite to rebuild the country.

BAGHDAD, IRAQ - JUNE 11: A view of the U.S. Embassy building and its surroundings in Baghdad, Iraq on June 11, 2025. The U.S. Department of State has decided to withdraw some personnel from the U.S. Embassy located in Baghdad, the capital of Iraq. ( Murtadha AL-Sudani - Anadolu Agency )

What is happening between Iran and Israel?

The US has evacuated personnel from locations in the Middle East as it expects reciprocal attacks between Israel and Iran, CBS News reported Wednesday, citing multiple sources. US officials received information that Israel stands "fully ready to launch an operation into Iran," it said.

Washington believes that Iran could retaliate against American sites in neighboring Iraq following any Israeli strike, prompting the evacuation advisory, according to the news outlet.

The State Department ordered the departure of non-emergency government personnel from Iraq on Wednesday due to "heightened regional tensions."

"The Department of State requires US government personnel in Iraq to live and work under strict security due to serious threats," said the travel advisory.

Currently, the U.S. has a level 4 travel advisory for Iraq, which corresponds to "do not travel."

"Do not travel to Iraq due to terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, civil unrest, and the U.S. government’s limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Iraq," says the State Department's advisory.

June 12, 2025 05:10 PM GMT+03:00