Iran's foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, stated on state television IRIB on 26/6, "The fighting has paused for two days. Experts from the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran are evaluating the damage to our nuclear facilities. The damage is severe.".
Araghchi stated that seeking compensation and reparations are key issues on Iran's diplomatic agenda. He added that the process of expert study and political decision-making are happening concurrently.
This statement follows Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's declaration of Iran's victory over Israel and a strong retaliatory blow against the US during the 12-day conflict. Khamenei said Iran's nuclear infrastructure "was not significantly affected", emphasizing that US President Donald Trump "exaggerated information" when he claimed to have completely wiped out Tehran's atomic program.
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Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi at a press conference in Istanbul, Turkey on 22/6. Photo: AFP |
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi at a press conference in Istanbul, Turkey on 22/6. Photo: AFP
On 26/6, Trump dismissed reports that Iran may have moved its enriched uranium stockpile to a safe location before the airstrikes. "Nothing was moved. They are very heavy, dangerous, and difficult to move," Trump wrote on Truth Social.
The conflict began on 13/6 when Israel launched a preemptive airstrike against Iran in "Operation Roaring Lion," killing several high-ranking commanders and nuclear scientists. Iran retaliated with "Operation True Promise 3". The fighting left over 430 dead and over 3,500 injured in Iran, and 25 dead and over 2,500 injured in Israel.
In the early hours of 22/6, the US intervened in the conflict, attacking three Iranian nuclear facilities and then proposing negotiations with Tehran. Trump announced a day later that Iran and Israel had agreed to a comprehensive ceasefire. On 24/6, both Iran and Israel accepted the ceasefire, each claiming victory.
US and Israeli officials have repeatedly asserted that the conflict dealt a significant blow to Iran's nuclear program, with some suggesting Tehran's "nuclear bomb-making plan" would be delayed by at least several years. However, US media, citing preliminary intelligence reports, suggest Washington's operation only set Tehran back "a few months" in its nuclear program.
Nhu Tam (AFP, Reuters)
