Iran admits nuclear sites hit by US strikes, vows to rebuild

Iran’s nuclear chief acknowledged that some of the country’s nuclear facilities were “destroyed” in US airstrikes during June’s 12-day war with Israel, but vowed they would be rebuilt despite international pressure and the threat of further attacks.

Mohammad Eslami, head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran and a vice president, told Sky News in Vienna that Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan were among the sites targeted in US strikes using bunker-busting bombs.

“It is quite normal that during a military attack on facilities, they incur damage and the infrastructure is destroyed,” he said, insisting Iran’s nuclear know-how could not be erased.

Satellite images showed major destruction at the enrichment sites, though parts of the program remain buried deep underground. Western governments accuse Tehran of seeking nuclear weapons, which it denies.

Eslami ruled out direct talks with Washington, saying the US had “inflicted heavy blows on Iran” and could not be trusted after abandoning the 2015 nuclear deal.

He defended uranium enrichment levels, saying they are needed for reactors and scientific uses, not weapons.

European powers have already triggered a process to restore UN sanctions on Iran by late September unless it restores inspector access and re-engages in talks.