Iran says unexploded bombs remain at nuclear sites hit by US since June 2025
Note: AI technology was used to generate this article’s audio.
- Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghhi reports unexploded ordnance at nuclear facilities targeted by the US.
- Iran maintains right to uranium enrichment and stresses diplomatic engagement with continued caution toward Washington.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Sunday that unexploded bombs remain at nuclear sites hit by the United States during last year’s twelve-day war. The statement was reported by the Young Journalists’ Club, affiliated with Iranian state television.
Araghchi said he asked International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director Rafael Mariano Grossi whether there were any specific laws or protocols for visiting nuclear sites struck by the US. Grossi reportedly replied, “No, there is nothing of the sort.”
Read more: Iran calls Gaza crisis genocide, says US talks limited to nuclear issue
Following this, Araghchi emphasized the need for agreed protocols before inspections, citing security concerns due to unexploded ordnance and other issues requiring coordination. He added that inspections should take place only after agreements on these matters are reached, noting that Iran remains in contact with the IAEA on this issue.
Background
On June 13, 2025, Israel, with US support, launched a 12-day military campaign against Iran targeting military, nuclear, and civilian facilities and assassinating leaders and scientists. Iran responded with missile and drone strikes on Israeli military and intelligence sites.
On June 22, 2025, the US targeted Iranian nuclear facilities, claiming to have “neutralized” them. Iran retaliated by striking the Al-Udeid base in Qatar. A ceasefire between Tehran and Washington was announced on June 24.
Negotiations and mistrust
Speaking at the National Conference on the History of Iranian Foreign Policy in Tehran, Araghchi stressed that Iran does not trust the US and that the outcome of negotiations remains uncertain.
Read more: Oman says foreign minister held separate talks with Iran, US delegations
“They tried everything and failed. Now they are back at the negotiating table, and it is unclear where these talks will lead,” Araqchi said. “We do not trust them. There is a possibility they may resort to deception. All institutions in Iran must continue their duties regardless of these developments.”
He emphasized that Iran will not accept “zero uranium enrichment,” stating, “If there are concerns about Iran’s nuclear program objectives, we are ready to respond through diplomatic channels, ensure transparency, and build trust.”
Araghchi confirmed that Iran has a legitimate right to enrich uranium, noting that this stance is driven not only by technical or economic considerations.
The talks between Iran and the US resumed on Friday in Muscat, Oman, marking the first direct negotiations since June 2025 following the 12-day war.
