Iran Admits ‘Serious’ Damage to Nuclear Sites Despite Khamenei’s Denial
Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, has admitted that recent US and Israeli airstrikes caused “excessive and serious” damage to the country’s nuclear facilities.
Speaking on state television Thursday evening, Araghchi said the Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran was currently assessing the extent of the destruction.
His comments contrast sharply with earlier claims by Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who dismissed the bombings as ineffective and accused US President Donald Trump of exaggerating the impact.
Khamenei, speaking publicly for the first time since the conflict with Israel began on 13 June, insisted that the attacks did not disrupt Iran’s nuclear programme and that Washington “failed to accomplish anything significant”.
Despite the Supreme Leader’s defiant tone, Araghchi painted a more sobering picture and ruled out any resumption of nuclear negotiations with the United States.
“I would like to state clearly that no agreement, arrangement or conversation has been made to start new negotiations,” he said.
He added that Tehran was re-evaluating its diplomatic approach “in the interest of the Iranian people” and hinted at a “new form” of diplomacy, without elaborating further.
Efforts by the Trump administration to bring Iran back to the negotiating table reportedly include offering access to $30bn in frozen assets, easing sanctions, and supporting a civilian nuclear energy programme.
However, recent developments could derail these plans.
On Wednesday, Iran’s parliament passed a bill to end cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), a move that would bar nuclear inspectors from accessing Iran’s facilities.
Israel has defended its offensive, saying it was necessary to halt Iran’s alleged efforts to develop nuclear weapons—a claim Tehran has consistently denied, insisting its programme is purely for civilian purposes.
The United States directly entered the conflict last weekend, striking nuclear facilities in Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth claimed the attacks had set Iran’s nuclear development back by years.
But a leaked preliminary Pentagon report contradicted that assertion, suggesting the damage would only delay the programme by a few months. The Biden administration has dismissed the leak.
Iran’s health ministry reported 610 deaths from 12 days of Israeli airstrikes, while Israeli authorities confirmed 28 fatalities on their side.
BBC
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
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