In stark contrast to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s claim that the effects were minor, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has openly acknowledged that recent American and Israeli bombings caused “serious damage” to the nation’s nuclear facilities. This acknowledgment is a dramatic reversal, revealing internal conflict over the implications of the operation and Iran’s future strategy.
Araghchi pointed out that strikes on strategic locations, including Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, have had a significant impact and cast doubt on Iran’s ability to continue working with the IAEA because of concerns about international inspections. The declaration comes after a parliamentary action that would completely block IAEA access.
Tehran and Western players now concur that Iran’s nuclear program experienced significant setbacks, although Khamenei’s insistence in its tenacity. The acknowledgment might change future diplomatic trajectories and hone Tehran’s combative rhetoric.