Tehran, Iran – Just days after a devastating military campaign by Israel and the United States targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, Iran’s atomic energy chief Mohammad Eslami has vowed to restore the country’s nuclear program.
Leaked Call Reveals Israeli Operative Warned Iranian General: “You Have 12 Hours to Escape”
In remarks carried by Mehr News, Eslami said Iran had “prepared in advance” for potential strikes and was already taking steps to prevent disruption to uranium production and nuclear services.
“The plan is to prevent interruptions in the process of production and services,” Eslami stated, asserting that Tehran had contingencies in place.
Israel and US Strikes Dealt Heavy Blow to Iran’s Nuclear Sites
Since June 13, Israel launched a coordinated campaign targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities, military command centers, and key scientific personnel. On Sunday, the US escalated the operation by deploying bunker-busting munitions and missiles on Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan—Iran’s major nuclear enrichment hubs.
Both Israeli and US officials claimed the attacks delivered significant long-term setbacks to Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Ceasefire Announced But Tensions Remain High
On Tuesday morning, US President Donald Trump declared a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, urging both parties to honor the truce. However, just hours later, Iran allegedly fired two missiles toward northern Israel, prompting warnings of retaliation from Israeli leadership.
Iran’s ISNA news agency denied the launch, labeling the reports “false.” Nevertheless, tensions remain high and the truce is seen as fragile.
IAEA Chief Calls for Diplomatic Solution
Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), responded to the ceasefire by reaching out to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, urging Iran to return to cooperation with UN nuclear inspectors.
“Resuming cooperation with the IAEA could pave the way for a diplomatic resolution,” Grossi wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
International Reactions: France Urges Negotiation
The French Foreign Ministry welcomed Trump’s ceasefire announcement, calling for an immediate and complete cessation of hostilities in the region.
“Iran must never possess nuclear weapons,” the statement emphasized.
“France urges Iran to engage immediately in negotiations that address its nuclear and ballistic missile programs, as well as its destabilizing regional activities.”
Israel Warns of Retaliation
In response to Iran’s reported missile activity, Israeli officials reaffirmed their stance that military action was necessary to prevent Tehran from achieving its stated goal of destroying Israel.
Israel’s campaign has already resulted in the deaths of several top Iranian commanders and nuclear scientists. Tehran retaliated with over 550 ballistic missiles and 1,000 drones, which killed 28 Israelis and wounded thousands. Strikes damaged civilian infrastructure, including apartment complexes, universities, and a hospital.
Iran’s Dual Narrative: Peaceful Intentions vs. Military Posturing
Iran continues to insist that its nuclear program is peaceful, yet international observers point to uranium enrichment levels far beyond civilian use, expanded ballistic missile development, and the denial of IAEA access to key nuclear sites. Israeli intelligence has warned that Iran had recently taken steps toward nuclear weaponization.
Conclusion: Fragile Ceasefire Amid Rising Stakes
The aftermath of the Israel-US military campaign and the response from Iran paints a volatile picture for the Middle East. While a ceasefire is in effect, the threat of renewed conflict looms large. Iran’s promise to restore its nuclear program—despite global condemnation—underscores the fragility of current diplomacy.
As world powers like France push for a negotiated solution, the international community remains on edge, watching whether cooperation or confrontation will define the next chapter in the region’s ongoing nuclear saga.