
Audio By Carbonatix
Iran's foreign minister has admitted that "excessive and serious" damage was done to the country's nuclear sites in the recent US and Israeli bombings.
Abbas Araghchi told a state broadcaster on Thursday evening that an assessment of the damage is being carried out by the Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran.
But, just hours earlier, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said the strikes did not disrupt the country's nuclear programme. Khamenei was responding to US President Donald Trump's assertion that the bombs had "totally obliterated" three nuclear sites.
Khamenei said the US attacks had failed to "accomplish anything significant".
The supreme leader, who has been in hiding since the war with Israel began on 13 June, insisted that Trump had "exaggerated" the impact of the bombs, and declared victory over the US and Israel.
But Araghchi's remarks create a different impression.
The foreign minister also said there were no plans to resume nuclear talks with the US. Iran cancelled a scheduled sixth round of talks when Israel began its attacks.
"I would like to state clearly that no agreement, arrangement or conversation has been made to start new negotiations," he said.
He added that the government was examining what was in the "interest of the Iranian people", saying its approach to diplomacy will take a "new form".
He did not explain what he meant.
In an attempt to bring Iran back to the negotiating table, the Trump administration has discussed the possibility of helping Iran access $30bn to build a civilian-energy-producing nuclear programme, easing sanctions and freeing up billions of dollars in restricted Iranian funds, CNN has reported.
But developments in Iran might obstruct such a move.
On Wednesday, Iran's parliament approved a bill to stop co-operation with the global nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). If it is implemented, it would mean Iran is no longer committed to allowing nuclear inspectors into its sites.
Israel has said its offensive against Iran was necessary to thwart what it claims are Iranian plans to develop nuclear weapons.
Iran has always insisted its nuclear programme is only intended for civilian purposes.
The US became directly involved in the conflict last weekend, striking facilities in Fordo, Natanz and Isfahan, before Trump sought to rapidly mediate a ceasefire between Israel and Iran.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said intelligence gathered by the US and Israel indicated the strikes "significantly damaged the nuclear programme, setting it back by years".
A leaked preliminary Pentagon assessment downplayed the significance of the damage and said the US strikes only set Iran's nuclear programme back by a few months. The leak has been dismissed by the administration.
Iran's health ministry said 610 people were killed during the 12 days of Israel air strikes, while Israeli authorities said 28 were killed in Israel.
Latest Stories
-
Publish the assessment — NRGI demands transparency in Damang mining deal award to E&P
2 minutes -
Tamale: Alhaji Hussein Fuzak funds construction of 3-storey classroom block at Ambariya Islamic School
29 minutes -
Gender Ministry holds staff durbar, welcomes new Chief Director
30 minutes -
Anti-LGBTQ+: Mahama prioritises sentiments of development partners over Ghanaian values – Ntim Fordjour
34 minutes -
CPA intensifies crackdown on fake diapers across public hospitals
55 minutes -
Deputy Defence Minister urges failed GAF applicants to check medical disqualification reasons
58 minutes -
Video: President Mahama’s speech at One Health Summit
1 hour -
Constitution review must protect Ghanaians values, not advance LGBTQ agenda — Haruna Mohammed
1 hour -
Foreign Affairs Ministry advises Ghanaians to take recommended vaccinations before traveling to Senegal
2 hours -
If you have fixed the economy, why hide behind basic needs to delay Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill? – Ntim Fordjour to Mahama
2 hours -
NACOC Central Regional Command partners with NSRA on drug awareness campaign
2 hours -
Galaxy, DPS and Lycee Français shine at part 2 of 2026 Ghana International School Festival
2 hours -
Project C.U.R.E. donates vital medical supplies to support GMTF’s ‘Heal Ghana’ agenda
2 hours -
Engineers and Planners Ltd secures Damang Mining Lease after grueling $500m competitive tender
2 hours -
I never went to university – Tommy-Annan Forson
2 hours