The Iranian foreign minister acknowledges significant harm to nuclear facilities.

Danai Nesta Kupemba

Nova News 2025

Watch: Trump tells BBC he would strike Iran again if uranium enrichment escalated

Iran's foreign minister has acknowledged that the recent bombings by the US and Israel caused "excessive and serious" damage to the nation's nuclear facilities.

On Thursday evening, Abbas Araghchi informed a state broadcaster that the Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran is currently assessing the extent of the damage.

However, just a few hours prior, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei stated that the strikes did not interfere with the country's nuclear program. Khamenei was reacting to US President Donald Trump's claim that the bombs had "totally obliterated" three nuclear sites.

Khamenei asserted that the US attacks had not managed to "achieve anything significant."

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, said the damage to the nuclear sites was 'excessive'

The supreme leader, who has remained concealed since the conflict with Israel commenced on June 13, asserted that Trump had "overstated" the effects of the bombings and proclaimed triumph over both the US and Israel.

However, Araghchi's comments convey a contrasting perspective.

The foreign minister further stated that there are no intentions to restart nuclear discussions with the US. Iran aborted a planned sixth round of negotiations when Israel initiated its assaults.

• When Iran's supreme leader emerges from hiding he will find a very different nation

Iran's foreign minister acknowledges significant damage to nuclear facilities

23 hours ago

Danai Nesta Kupemba

BBC News

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Watch: Trump tells BBC he would strike Iran again if uranium enrichment escalated

Iran's foreign minister has recognized that "excessive and serious" harm was inflicted on the nation's nuclear sites due to recent bombings by the US and Israel.

Abbas Araghchi informed a state broadcaster on Thursday evening that the Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran is currently assessing the extent of the damage.

However, just hours prior, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei claimed that the strikes did not disrupt the country's nuclear program. Khamenei was reacting to US President Donald Trump's claim that the bombs had "totally obliterated" three nuclear sites.

Khamenei asserted that the US attacks had not managed to "achieve anything significant".

AFP via Getty Images Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi AFP via Getty Images

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that the damage to the nuclear sites was 'excessive'

The supreme leader, who has remained out of sight since the conflict with Israel commenced on June 13, insisted that Trump had "exaggerated" the bombs' effects and proclaimed victory over the US and Israel.

Nonetheless, Araghchi's comments present a contrasting perspective.

The foreign minister also indicated that there are no intentions to resume nuclear discussions with the US. Iran had canceled a planned sixth round of talks when Israel initiated its attacks.

When Iran's supreme leader eventually reemerges, he will discover a nation that has changed significantly.

"I want to make it clear that no agreement, arrangement, or conversation has been established to initiate new negotiations," he stated.

He further mentioned that the government is considering what serves the "interests of the Iranian people", indicating that its diplomatic approach will adopt a "new form".

He did not clarify what he meant by this.

In an effort to encourage Iran to return to the negotiating table, the Trump administration has explored the possibility of assisting Iran in accessing $30 billion to develop a civilian energy-producing nuclear program.