TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed that the Fordo nuclear facility sustained significant damage following a U.S. airstrike on Sunday, June 22, 2025.
In an interview on Tuesday, July 1, Araghchi noted that the full extent of the damage remains unclear, though the impact is believed to be severe.
"No one exactly knows what has transpired in Fordo. That being said, what we know so far is that the facilities have been seriously and heavily damaged," said Araghchi, as quoted by Times of Israel.
He added that Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization (AEOI) is currently carrying out an in-depth assessment.
"The Atomic Energy Organization of the Islamic Republic of Iran is currently undertaking evaluation and assessment, the report of which will be submitted to the government," he explained.
U.S. Claims vs. Intelligence Reports
U.S. President Donald Trump declared that the strike had completely dismantled Iran’s nuclear program. However, according to Times of Israel, which cited four sources familiar with classified intelligence, intercepted Iranian communications indicated that Iran might be underestimating the actual level of damage.
The U.S. administration acknowledged that assessing the full impact of the strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities would take time. Despite escalating tensions, diplomatic lines remain open.
White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated that U.S. Special Envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, is maintaining direct communication with Iranian officials. This followed Trump’s earlier statement that a meeting between the two nations could take place soon.
Iran Stresses Technological Resilience
Although acknowledging the damage, Araghchi asserted that Iran's nuclear capabilities are not reliant solely on physical infrastructure.
"One cannot obliterate the technology and science for enrichment through bombings," he told Times of Israel. "If there is this will on our part — and the will exists — in order to once again make progress in this industry, we will be able to expeditiously repair the damages and make up for the lost time."
He emphasized that Iran’s nuclear knowledge remains intact and that the country is currently assessing the situation and reviewing its policy direction.
When asked about the statement from International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Rafael Grossi, who suggested that Iran could resume enrichment activities within a few months, Araghchi responded confidently.
"We have done a lot for our enrichment industry to thrive. We have borne a lot. Our people have borne a lot," he said.
Meanwhile, Israel claimed it had intelligence indicating that Iran continues to pursue nuclear weapons development. Israeli officials warned that any efforts by Tehran to rebuild its nuclear or ballistic missile programs could provoke further military action.
Iran, however, continues to maintain that its nuclear ambitions are strictly for peaceful, civilian purposes.
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