Iran’s Nuclear Chief Vows to Rebuild After Israeli Strikes Cripple Key Facilities
Iran’s nuclear chief, Mohammad Eslami, vowed to rebuild the country’s heavily damaged nuclear infrastructure following a 12-day Israeli-led and U.S.-supported military campaign, despite a ceasefire announced on June 24, 2025. While the strikes significantly set back Iran’s nuclear ambitions, ongoing violations and international calls for diplomacy highlight the fragile path to preventing Tehran’s nuclear resurgence.
Yesterday, Mohammad Eslami, head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization, acknowledged severe damage to the country’s nuclear infrastructure following the 12-day “Am K’Lavie” war, which ended with a ceasefire. The Israeli-led campaign, bolstered by U.S. airstrikes in its final phase, targeted key nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, setting back Iran’s nuclear ambitions by years, according to Israeli and American officials. Undeterred, Eslami declared, “The plan is to prevent interruptions in the process of production and services,” signaling Iran’s intent to swiftly restore its nuclear operations.
The ceasefire, announced by President Donald Trump on June 24, 2025, at 10:27 PM IDT, aimed to halt hostilities after intense missile exchanges and strikes on Iranian military and regime targets. Trump urged compliance, stating, “Now is the time to stand down.” Both nations initially confirmed the truce, but within hours, Iran reportedly launched two missiles at northern Israel, a claim denied by Iran’s ISNA news agency as “fabricated.” The violation underscores the ceasefire’s fragility and Iran’s defiance amid its battered infrastructure.
Rafael Grossi, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), responded by reaching out to Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, advocating for renewed cooperation. Grossi posted on X, “This is the time for diplomacy,” urging Iran to allow IAEA inspectors to resume oversight of its nuclear activities. The international community faces uncertainty over how to enforce constraints on Iran’s nuclear rebuilding efforts, especially with 400 kg of 60% enriched uranium unaccounted for. The war, which killed over 600 Iranians and 28 Israelis, also saw Iran’s missile capabilities and air defenses decimated, yet Eslami’s resolve highlights Tehran’s determination to revive its nuclear program. As diplomatic efforts falter and tensions persist, the risk of renewed escalation looms, with Israel and the U.S. closely monitoring Iran’s next moves.