๐ฎ๐ท๐ Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has confirmed "serious and heavy damage" ๐ to the Fordow nuclear enrichment facility following recent U.S. airstrikes. This marks the first public admission from Tehran on the extent of destruction at the fortified underground site.
"No one exactly knows what has transpired in Fordow," Araghchi stated, as assessments continue. The U.S. strikes, part of "Operation Midnight Hammer" ๐จ on June 22, targeted Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. While U.S. President Donald Trump claimed "obliteration," ๐ฅ U.S. officials admit full damage assessment will take time. โณ
Fordow, deep inside a mountain, was hit by at least 14 "bunker buster" bombs. ๐ฃ Despite this, Araghchi insists Iran's nuclear "technology and science" remain intact. ๐ช Satellite images show Iran already undertaking repair efforts. ๐ง
Conflicting reports persist: the Pentagon assesses a one to two-year setback for Iran's program, while some initial intelligence suggested only months. ๐ Notably, Iran has also suspended cooperation with the IAEA ๐ซ, further shrouding its nuclear activities in secrecy. โ๏ธ The future of nuclear diplomacy with Iran remains highly uncertain. โ๏ธ
