FM: Iran’s nuclear resolve strengthened despite US strikes

Iran’s resolve to advance its nuclear program has only been strengthened by the recent aggression from Israel and the United States, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi declared in an interview with Al Araby Al Jadeed.

Araghchi stated, “The [aggression by Israel and the US] will have a positive impact [on Iran’s resolve to advance its nuclear program]. It strengthens our will, makes us more determined and steadfast.” He highlighted the considerable efforts Iran has invested in its nuclear technology, noting that Iranian scientists have made “tremendous sacrifices,” including giving their lives for this cause.

“Our people endured sanctions, and a war was imposed on our nation over this issue. It is obvious that no one in Iran will give up these technologies,” the minister affirmed. Araghchi also maintained that Iran’s nuclear program has been transparent and operates under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

A recent report by CNN, citing three sources briefed on a U.S. intelligence assessment, revealed that last weekend’s U.S. military strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities did not destroy the core components of Tehran’s nuclear program.

According to this early assessment by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), based on a battle damage evaluation from U.S. Central Command, the strikes likely set Iran back by only a few months.

This finding contrasts sharply with President Donald Trump’s repeated claims that the strikes “completely and totally obliterated” Iran’s nuclear enrichment facilities. Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth similarly stated on June 22 that Iran’s nuclear ambitions “have been obliterated.”

Two sources familiar with the DIA assessment indicated that Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium remains intact, and centrifuges at the targeted sites are largely “intact.” One source summarised, “So the (DIA) assessment is that the U.S. set them back maybe a few months, tops.”

While the White House acknowledged the existence of this assessment, officials stated they disagreed with its conclusions. The analysis of the damage and its impact on Iran’s nuclear program remains ongoing and may evolve as further intelligence becomes available.

By Tamilla Hasanova