Iranian officials have dismissed claims of significant damage following United States airstrikes on the country's nuclear facilities, insisting that the Fordow site—one of the main targets—remains largely intact despite the attack.
Manan Raeisi, a member of Iran's parliament representing Qom, the city near the Fordow nuclear site, stated on Sunday that the strike caused only superficial damage to the facility.
"Based on precise information, I am able to state that contrary to the claims of the lying president of the United States, the Fordow nuclear installation has not been seriously damaged," Raeisi said, according to the state-affiliated Fars news agency. "Most of the affected areas were above ground and can be fully restored."
No Casualties Reported
According to Raeisi, no casualties were reported at the Fordow facility. A Fars correspondent near the facility reported hearing explosions and seeing air defense systems activated in the early hours of Sunday. The correspondent also noted a brief fire that was quickly contained.
Iran's state-owned Press TV claimed, without presenting evidence, that the attack only affected entrance and exit tunnels at Fordow, leaving the core facility untouched.
Multiple Sites Targeted
The United States also targeted other key nuclear sites, including Natanz and Isfahan, in a wave of coordinated strikes. These facilities are crucial components of Iran's nuclear program, which Tehran has consistently maintained is for peaceful purposes.
Raeisi described the attack as "a direct entry of the United States into this war" and warned that Iran would decide how best to respond to what he called "a brazen act of foolishness."
The strikes mark a significant escalation in tensions between the United States and Iran, which have been strained for years over Iran's nuclear ambitions and its support for various militant groups across the Middle East.
International observers and security analysts are closely monitoring the situation as concerns grow about potential Iranian retaliation and further destabilization in the region.
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