Hussain Hazbavi 
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Thursday admitted that recent U.S. and Israeli strikes had caused “serious harm” to Iran’s nuclear facilities — marking the most candid acknowledgment from a senior official since the conclusion of the 12-day conflict.
“This damage has not been minor — serious harm has been done to our facilities. They are currently conducting a thorough assessment of the damage,” Araghchi said in an interview with Iran’s state broadcaster, referring to the work of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran.
He also announced that Tehran would not allow the head of the UN nuclear watchdog, Rafael Grossi, to enter the country, as Iran’s parliament debates withdrawing from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), which requires international inspections.
“For now, we do not intend to allow Mr. Grossi into Tehran,” Araghchi stated. “As for the inspectors, it still needs to be reviewed — if their presence aligns with parliamentary law, we’ll consider it. But clearly, if they want to inspect the destroyed facilities, it means they’re trying to assess the extent of the damage.”
The remarks signal a significant hardening of Tehran’s stance amid escalating tensions with the West.
