Iran vows to restore damaged nuclear sites, rules out direct talks with US

The head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization, Mohammad Eslami, has pledged to rebuild nuclear facilities damaged in recent Israeli and US attacks, asserting the country’s determination to maintain its nuclear program despite escalating threats.

Eslami — who also serves as Iran’s vice president — stated unequivocally that Tehran would not engage in direct talks with Washington, citing a long history of broken promises and hostile actions by the United States, Caliber.Az reports, citing Iranian media.

"It is quite normal that during a military attack on facilities, they incur damage and the infrastructure is destroyed," he said.

"What is important is that science, know-how, technology, and industry are long-standing and deeply-rooted in the history of Iran."

Eslami defended Iran’s right to develop nuclear capabilities, reiterating that the nation’s intentions are peaceful. He addressed widespread speculation about Iran’s uranium enrichment levels — a subject of concern for the West — and dismissed claims that higher enrichment is synonymous with weapons development.

"The enrichment percentage is not necessarily for weapons when it is high. We need higher enrichment for our sensitivities and precision measurement tools," he explained.

"No one is selling us these items. We have been under sanctions for years. We need these products for the safety system of our reactors and for sensitive processes used for managing our reactors."

The Iranian official also made clear that the recent military escalation — particularly by the US — has further deteriorated prospects for diplomacy.

"There is no need to talk to them," he stated.

"The US government has committed great injustice to the Iranian people, has inflicted heavy blows on Iran since the beginning of the Islamic Revolution, and has recently carried out military attacks against our country."

Eslami criticized Washington's negotiating tactics and accused the US of lacking credibility.

"An enemy is an enemy, even if they have not shown hostility, while their hostility is great, it is futile to talk to such an enemy."

"While indirect talks were held and negotiations were in progress, they carried out military operations."

"They came to the negotiating table and then abandoned it and forgot that they had made a promise and had made an agreement. The US government is full of broken promises. It has many broken promises and no one can trust them any more."

By Vafa Guliyeva