Araqchi told the Financial Times that “the destroyed nuclear machines can be replaced because we have the technology,” noting that Iran still has many scientists to restart its uranium enrichment program.
On June 13, Israel launched surprise airstrikes in an operation named “”, targeting military sites and nuclear facilities in Iran, most notably the main Natanz uranium enrichment facility. The Israeli strikes resulted in the death of several prominent nuclear scientists, military leaders, and Iranian officials, including the Revolutionary Guard Commander Hossein Salami, Chief of Staff Mohammad Bagheri, and Air and Space Commander of the Revolutionary Guard Amir Ali Hajizadeh.
In response, Iran launched missile strikes against Israel in a military operation named “The Honest Promise 3,” targeting dozens of military sites and airbases in Israel, affirming that the operation would continue as long as necessary.
Israel justified its attacks by claiming that Iran had reached the “point of no return” in uranium enrichment and was nearing the acquisition of a nuclear weapon, a claim Tehran denies, insisting its nuclear activities are solely for peaceful purposes.
The United States also attacked three Iranian nuclear facilities in Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan on the night of June 22. According to Washington, “the attack aimed to destroy or severely weaken Iran’s nuclear program.” Days later, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard announced a response by striking the American “Al-Udeid” base in Qatar.
