Iran’s nuclear chief has admitted some of his country’s nuclear facilities were “destroyed” by US strikes in June, in what is perhaps the most candid assessment since the recent 12-day war with Israel.
Speaking to Sky News in Vienna, the head of the Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran, Mohammad Eslami, also said there will be no direct talks with the US.
He vowed the facilities would be rebuilt despite international pressure and the threat of further attacks by Israel.
“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.”
Three of Iran‘s main nuclear facilities – Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan – were targeted by unprecedented US strikes on 22 June using 30,000lb bunker-busting bombs.
Satellite imagery showed major damage, but because some of the facilities are positioned deep under mountains, it’s hard to determine exactly how much damage the US bombs did.
Shortly after the strikes, Iran’s foreign minister admitted “excessive and serious damage” had been done, despite the supreme leader earlier claiming the strikes had not disrupted his nation’s nuclear programme.
But Mr Eslami, also Iran’s vice president, defended the country’s right to develop a nuclear capability, insisting, as Iran has repeatedly done, that it is for peaceful means. Western nations don’t agree.
Asked why Iran needed to enrich uranium to levels close to weapons grade, Mr Eslami said: “The enrichment percentage, what is presented in public opinion and in the media, is fuelled by politicians, adventurers, and our enemies.
“The enrichment percentage is not necessarily for weapons when it is high. We need higher enrichment for our sensitivities and precision measurement tools.
“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.”
Iranian officials are planning to hold talks with European countries during the gathering of leaders and diplomats at the UN General Assembly in New York this week.
Last month France, Germany, and the UK triggered the start of a 30-day period to reintroduce “snapback” sanctions on Iran unless urgent steps are taken before the 2015 nuclear agreement expires in October.
Those conditions include restoring access for UN inspectors and re-engaging in talks with the US.
However, Mr Eslami told Sky News that they wouldn’t negotiate with the Americans following the recent war.
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“There is no need to talk to them,” he said.
“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.
“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.”
