Iran has no plans to restore damaged nuclear facilities, says FM

Iran has said it does not currently intend to rebuild nuclear sites damaged in previous US and Israeli strikes.

Speaking to Iranian television, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said: “At present, there are no plans to restore them — until security threats and related issues are resolved.”

He added that during the June conflict with Israel and the United States, Iran’s missile capabilities were not seriously affected, and any difficulties arising from the attacks have since been addressed.

Araghchi said the country’s military situation is now much stronger than in the past and that the events had highlighted “weak points” that have since been addressed. He stressed that Iran is prepared to defend itself if necessary, but that this readiness does not indicate a desire for war.

In mid‑June 2025, long‑running tensions between Tehran and Jerusalem escalated into open conflict when Israel launched a large‑scale military campaign of air strikes against Iran.

On June 13, the Israeli military struck military and nuclear facilities deep inside Iran, including the Natanz nuclear site and other key installations, in what its leaders described as a pre‑emptive effort to derail Tehran’s nuclear ambitions. 

The assault, backed by extensive planning and covert operations, targeted top Iranian military commanders and infrastructure connected to ballistic missile production and nuclear research.

Iran’s Supreme Leader condemned the offensive as an act of war and, later that day, Tehran launched retaliatory missile attacks against Israeli cities including Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. While Israeli officials reported most incoming missiles were intercepted, some reached populated areas, injuring civilians and prompting air‑raid alerts nationwide.

The conflict, which continued for around 12 days, caused significant casualties and damage on both sides. Israel killed more than 30 senior security officials and 11 senior nuclear scientists to deliver a major blow to Iran's nuclear ambitions, a

Israeli commanders said the operation had significantly degraded Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities, while Iranian authorities accused Israel of aggression and vowed continued resistance.

By Aghakazim Guliyev