Iran Admits US Strikes Severely Damaged Nuclear Sites, Threatens UN Complaint
Iran admits U.S. strikes severely damaged nuclear sites, demands compensation, and threatens UN action as Middle East tensions continue to escalate.
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Tehran has acknowledged for the first time that recent U.S. airstrikes caused “significant” damage to several of its nuclear facilities—just days after previously denying any radioactive leaks or critical impact. Iran is now demanding financial compensation from the United States and has threatened to take the matter to the United Nations if reparations are not paid.
Iran Demands Accountability After U.S. Strikes
The admission comes following coordinated airstrikes carried out by the U.S. and Israel on June 21, during a 12-day regional conflict. The attacks targeted three of Iran’s most sensitive nuclear sites: Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.
Speaking to reporters, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei confirmed, “Our nuclear installations have been badly damaged, that’s for sure.” The statement sharply contrasts Tehran’s earlier reassurances that no major harm had been inflicted.
In a separate interview with Lebanese media, Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh declared Iran’s intent to seek redress. “Washington must pay compensation for the damages caused to Iran’s facilities or else Tehran will file a complaint with the United Nations on this matter,” he said.
Satellite Images Reveal Extensive Damage
High-resolution satellite imagery from Maxar Technologies confirms visible structural damage at the Natanz and Isfahan nuclear sites. Additional images also reveal impact zones at Mehrabad International Airport in Tehran, reportedly hit during Israeli air raids.
Iran has accused both the U.S. and Israel of carrying out "unprovoked military aggression" under the guise of nuclear non-proliferation. Israel’s earlier offensive, Operation Rising Lion, claimed that Iran was on the verge of developing a nuclear weapon—an allegation Iran continues to deny, maintaining its program is peaceful.
Ceasefire Chaos: Trump’s Deal, Israel’s Retaliation
In a surprise move, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire agreement between Iran and Israel on Tuesday. However, hours after the declaration, Israeli forces launched additional missile attacks, prompting immediate retaliation from Iran.
Trump voiced frustration over the breach, claiming both nations had disregarded the truce. “We basically have two countries that have been fighting so long and so hard that they don't know what the f*** they're doing,” he said, adding that Israeli jets had been called back after the renewed strikes.
The back-and-forth attacks escalated tensions across the region. Iran fired missiles at U.S. military bases including Al Udeid in Qatar and Ain Al Asad in Iraq, calling the U.S. involvement “a blatant act of war.”
Middle East on Edge
The renewed hostilities have prompted Gulf nations to shut down airspace, disrupting international flights and sparking fears of a broader regional conflict. The escalation comes amid lingering unrest following Israel's long-running operations in Gaza and tensions with Hezbollah in Lebanon.
As of now, the Biden administration has not issued a formal response to Iran’s compensation demands or threats of UN arbitration.
