The Iranian foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, has acknowledged that the U.S. strikes have caused ‘serious damage’ to Tehran’s nuclear facilities, despite Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s denial of any substantial impact. This disagreement among Iranian leaders highlights the internal dynamics within the country as they assess the consequences of the attacks.
Post-strike assessments by Iran, Israel, and the U.S. have confirmed the extent of the damage to nuclear sites, although a leaked intel report suggested otherwise. Ayatollah Khamenei, however, seems more focused on maintaining an image of strength rather than acknowledging the actual damage. He described the attack on Al-Udeid airbase in Qatar as a ‘heavy slap to the U.S.’s face,’ while former President Trump commented on the situation, dismissing it as a ‘very weak response.’
International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Grossi confirmed the damage to several nuclear sites in Iran, including uranium conversion and enrichment facilities. This has raised concerns about Iran’s nuclear capabilities and potential for further escalation. Meanwhile, Araghchi also mentioned the difficulty in resuming talks with the U.S., although he did not rule out the possibility of future negotiations.
Experts suggest that Iran is attempting to ‘save face’ following the U.S. strikes on its nuclear sites. The possibility of resuming nuclear talks with the U.S. remains uncertain, as Tehran views the U.S. as complicit in Israel’s military actions. Despite Trump’s statements expressing optimism about the potential for renewed negotiations, there is no clear indication that the countries have plans to meet in the near future.