The head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization and Vice President, Mohammad Eslami, has publicly acknowledged that several Iranian nuclear sites sustained heavy damage in U.S. airstrikes on June 22.
In an interview with Sky News from Vienna, Eslami confirmed that the Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan facilities were struck by B-2 Spirit bombers using 30,000-lb “bunker-buster” bombs and by Tomahawk missiles launched from U.S. naval assets. Satellite imagery has shown significant damage, especially at Natanz.
Eslami defended Iran’s right to rebuild, insisting that the country’s scientific, technological, and industrial foundations are deep and resilient. “It is quite normal that during a military attack … infrastructure is destroyed,” he said.
He also rejected direct talks with the U.S., arguing that Washington has repeatedly broken promises and carried out military operations even amid negotiations.
Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, similarly acknowledged that the attacks caused “excessive and serious damage,” though Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had earlier denied that the nuclear program was disrupted.
Meanwhile, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has warned that despite the damage, Iran still retains capabilities and the potential to advance its nuclear program. The director-general said that some centrifuge components may have escaped damage, and that Iran could eventually enrich uranium further.
European powers are pressing Tehran to resume cooperation, allow UN inspectors full access, and reengage in diplomacy, or risk reimposition of sanctions under the “snapback” mechanism of the 2015 nuclear deal.
