Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Thursday that nuclear sites sustained “serious” damage during the war with Israel that began on June 13.
“A detailed assessment is being carried out by the Atomic Energy Organization,” Araghchi told state TV. He added that compensation is now a key diplomatic demand. “These damages are serious, and expert studies and political decision-making are underway at the same time.”
Araghchi’s statement follows confirmation from Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei that Iran’s nuclear facilities suffered heavy damage following Israeli bombardments and the U.S. strikes targeting three major sites.
Initial U.S. assessments leaked to the press suggested there was no significant damage to the sites, though this has since been disputed by U.S. authorities, including the CIA.
On Wednesday, Iran’s parliament passed a bill suspending cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The legislation halts inspections, surveillance, and reporting, pending approval from the Guardian Council, the body responsible for vetting legislation.
The bill also states that any future inspection by IAEA will require clearance from Iran’s Supreme National Security Council.
Parliament Speaker Mohammad Qalibaf accused the IAEA of political bias, saying it “sold its credibility” by failing to condemn the attacks. “For this reason, the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran will suspend its cooperation with the Agency until the security of the nuclear facilities is guaranteed, and move at a faster pace with the country’s peaceful nuclear program.”
The IAEA did not immediately comment on the Iranian parliament’s approval of the bill. On Wednesday, IAEA chief Rafael Grossi said he was seeking the return of inspectors to Iranian sites, including facilities where uranium was being enriched prior to the Israeli strikes.
A ceasefire between Israel and Iran took effect on Tuesday after 12 days of fighting. President Donald Trump said the U.S. will meet with Iranian officials next week to address ongoing nuclear concerns.
The president said a formal agreement with Iran might be reached eventually, but he does not consider it necessary since their nuclear sites were “blown up to kingdom come.”
