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Iran's nuclear chief has admitted that some of his country's nuclear facilities were "destroyed" by US strikes in June, which is perhaps the most candid admission since the recent 12-day war with Israel.
Mohammad Eslami, the head of the Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran, spoke to Sky News in Vienna and also declared that there will be no direct talks with the US.
He vowed that the facilities would be rebuilt despite international pressure and the threat of further attacks by Israel.
“It is quite normal that during a military attack on facilities, they incur damage and the infrastructure is destroyed,” he said. “What is important is that science, know-how, technology, and industry are long-standing and deeply-rooted in the history of Iran.”
Mohammad Eslami, the head of the Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran
Three of Iran’s main nuclear facilities – Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan – were targeted by unprecedented US strikes on 22 June using 30,000lb bunker-busting bombs.
Satellite imagery showed major damage, but because some of the facilities are positioned deep under mountains, it’s hard to determine exactly how much damage the US bombs did.
Shortly after the strikes, Iran’s foreign minister admitted “excessive and serious damage” had been done, despite the supreme leader earlier claiming the strikes had not disrupted his nation’s nuclear programme.
