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Key Points

The Pentagon says US airstrikes have delayed Iran's nuclear program by up to two years. Iran has suspended cooperation with the IAEA, demanding guarantees for its sovereignty. UN officials expressed concern over Iran's decision, calling for continued nuclear oversight. Tensions escalate as both sides remain firm on their positions.

Key Points: US Strikes Set Back Iran Nuclear Program by 2 Years Says Pentagon

  • US strikes targeted Natanz, Fordow, and Esfahan nuclear sites
  • Iran suspends IAEA cooperation citing sovereignty concerns
  • UN expresses concern over Iran's nuclear inspection halt
  • Iranian FM confirms heavy damage to facilities
3 min read

Pentagon says US strike set back Iranian nuclear program by up to 2 years

Pentagon claims US strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities delayed program by 1-2 years as Tehran suspends IAEA cooperation amid rising tensions.

"We have degraded their program by one to two years – Sean Parnell, Pentagon Spokesperson"

Washington, July 3

The Pentagon has said that US strikes last month on three key Iranian nuclear facilities have set back Tehran's nuclear program by as much as two years.

"We have degraded their program by one to two years, at least intel assessments inside the department assess that," Sean Parnell, a Pentagon spokesperson, said at a news briefing on Wednesday (local time), without providing further details.

"All of the intelligence that we've seen led us to believe that Iran's, those facilities especially, have been completely obliterated," Parnell added.

On June 22, US forces bombed the three Iranian nuclear facilities of Natanz, Fordow, and Esfahan, reports Xinhua news agency.

"No one exactly knows what has transpired in Fordow," Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi told CBS News in an interview Tuesday. "What we know so far is that the facilities have been seriously and heavily damaged."

Iran's Atomic Energy Organisation is assessing the damage, he added.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian issued an order on Wednesday to enact a law suspending the country's cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

The law calls for a suspension of cooperation with the IAEA until Iran's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the safety of its nuclear facilities and scientists are fully guaranteed, said Constitutional Council Spokesman Hadi Tahan Nazif.

The law requires that any future inspections of Iran's nuclear sites by the IAEA need approval from the Supreme National Security Council.

In response, the IAEA said in a statement, "We are aware of these reports. The IAEA is awaiting further official information from Iran."

Speaking at a daily press briefing on Wednesday, Stephane Dujarric, chief spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, expressed concern over Iran's decision, calling it "obviously concerning."

"The Secretary-General has been very consistent in his call for Iran to cooperate with the IAEA, and frankly, for all countries to work closely with the IAEA on nuclear issues," he said.

US State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce said Wednesday that Iran's suspension of cooperation with the IAEA is "unacceptable."

"We'll use the word unacceptable, that Iran chose to suspend cooperation with the IAEA at a time when it has a window of opportunity to reverse course and choose a path of peace and prosperity," Bruce told a briefing.

Iran must cooperate fully with the UN agency without further delay, she said.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The US keeps interfering in other countries' affairs. First Iraq, now Iran. When will they learn? India has always maintained a balanced foreign policy - we should continue that approach.
R
Rohit P
This is worrying for India-Iran relations. We have important projects like Chabahar port. Hope our diplomats can navigate this situation carefully.
S
Sarah B
While I understand security concerns, unilateral military actions rarely solve long-term problems. The international community should focus on diplomatic solutions through UN channels.
V
Vikram M
Iran should be transparent about its nuclear program if it's peaceful as they claim. But America's approach is too aggressive. India's nuclear policy shows how responsible nations handle such matters.
K
Kavya N
The timing is suspicious - just when Iran was showing willingness to negotiate. This will only push them towards China and Russia more. India needs to be careful about its strategic partnerships.
M
Michael C
As someone who's lived in both US and India, I see this differently. Iran's nuclear ambitions are real, but the US approach lacks finesse. India could potentially play mediator role here.

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