Iranian Foreign Minister Admits Serious Damage to Nuclear Power Plants

Iran's foreign minister has admitted that "excessive and serious" damage was caused to the country's nuclear sites in recent US and Israeli bombings.

Abbas Araghchi told a state broadcaster on Thursday evening that a damage assessment was being carried out by the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, writes the BBC . 

But just hours earlier, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said the attacks did not disrupt the country's nuclear program. Khamenei was responding to US President Donald Trump's claim that the bombs had "completely destroyed" three nuclear sites.

The supreme leader, who has been in hiding since the start of the war with Israel on June 13, insisted that Trump had "exaggerated" the impact of the bombs and declared victory over the US and Israel.

But Araghchi's comments create a different impression.

The foreign minister also said there were no plans to resume nuclear talks with the U.S. Iran canceled a planned sixth round of talks when Israel began its attacks.

"I want to state clearly that no agreement, arrangement or conversation has been reached to start new negotiations," he said.

He added that the government was considering what was in the "interest of the Iranian people," saying its approach to diplomacy would take a "new form."

He didn't explain what he meant.

In an effort to bring Iran back to the negotiating table, the Trump administration has discussed the possibility of helping Iran access $30 billion to build a nuclear program for civilian energy production, easing sanctions and freeing up billions of dollars in restricted Iranian funds, CNN reported.

But developments in Iran may prevent such action.

On Wednesday, Iran's parliament passed a bill to halt cooperation with the global nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). If implemented, it would mean Iran is no longer committed to allowing nuclear inspectors into its countries.

Israel has said its offensive against Iran was necessary to thwart what it claims are Iranian plans to develop nuclear weapons.

Iran has always insisted that its nuclear program is intended only for civilian purposes.

The US became directly involved in the conflict last weekend, striking facilities in Fordo, Natanz and Isfahan, before Trump sought to quickly broker a ceasefire between Israel and Iran.