Iran says enriched uranium stockpiles buried under rubble following strikes

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that the country’s stockpiles of enriched uranium are currently buried under rubble after recent attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities.

Speaking to the Iranian state broadcaster, Araghchi said the Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran is assessing whether the material can be accessed and what condition it is in, Caliber.Az reports per Iranian media.

“Everything related to our nuclear materials is under debris as a result of the strikes on our facilities. The Atomic Energy Organisation is now evaluating if access is possible and the state of the materials,” he said.

Araghchi added that once the assessment is complete, a report will be prepared for the Supreme National Security Council, which will determine the next steps based on national security interests.

He also warned that Iran would respond “decisively” should the UN Security Council reinstate sanctions.

On the possibility of Iran leaving the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), Araghchi said: “The question of withdrawal from the NPT has been raised from time to time as one option, but the Islamic Republic’s options are not limited to this. Any decision will depend on which option best serves our national interests.”

He further noted that a previously signed agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Cairo does not currently provide for inspections.

By Aghakazim Guliyev