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Iran has confirmed that its nuclear infrastructure sustained serious damage in a series of US and Israeli airstrikes over a 12-day conflict that has left hundreds dead, including senior military leaders and dozens of air defense personnel. The unprecedented assault marks one of the most intense and consequential confrontations between the nations in recent decades.
Nuclear sites “severely damaged”
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei, in a televised interview with Al Jazeera, acknowledged the scale of destruction to the country’s nuclear facilities.
“Our nuclear installations have been badly damaged, that’s for sure, because it has come under repeated attacks by Israeli and American aggressors,” Baghaei said.
Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization is currently conducting a technical evaluation of the affected sites. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has independently confirmed that several of Iran’s nuclear sites were “severely damaged” during the conflict.
In response, the Iranian parliament has voted to suspend cooperation with the IAEA, though Iran remains a signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
627 dead, nearly 5000 injured
According to state broadcaster IRIB, citing data from the Iranian Health Ministry, at least 627 people have been killed since June 13, with 4,870 more injured during Israeli strikes.
The Health Ministry reported that a staggering 86 percent of fatalities occurred at the scene of impact, highlighting the intensity and precision of the bombardments.
At least 35 Air Defense Force personnel were killed in Israeli strikes. These casualties are believed to include radar operators, surface-to-air missile specialists, and engineers responsible for the early warning system.
Military analysts suggest that disabling Iran’s air defenses was a key strategic objective in the early stages of the operation.
Senior commander killed in strike
Iran also confirmed the death of Major General Ali Shadmani, commander of the elite Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters. Shadmani succumbed to injuries sustained in Israeli airstrikes last week. He had only assumed command on June 13, following the death of his predecessor, Lieutenant General Gholam Ali Rashid, who was killed during the opening phase of the military campaign.
The successive loss of both top commanders in less than two weeks represents a significant blow to Iran’s military leadership structure.
Iranian officials assert that the strikes have violated international norms and Tehran’s sovereign rights, while US and Israeli officials have described the operation as a “necessary preemptive measure” to curtail Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
As of now, Iranian authorities have not disclosed whether key nuclear materials, such as enriched uranium, were compromised or safeguarded prior to the strikes.
