Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that an October Israeli attack on Iran set back Tehran’s nuclear program.
“It’s not a secret,” Netanyahu stated during a Knesset address, as reported by the Times of Israel. “A specific component of their nuclear program was targeted in that attack.”
While the Prime Minister’s remarks confirmed previous speculation, it was already understood that last month’s strike had targeted Iran’s nuclear ambitions, a program actively expanded since the 2018 collapse of the Iran nuclear deal.
Israeli officials verified that military sites were hit during the October 26th overnight raid. This action raised global concerns of a potential wider conflict amid escalating tensions between the two nations.
International efforts, including those by the Biden administration, to restart negotiations with Iran on its nuclear development proved unsuccessful.
The IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) warned earlier this year that Iran’s nuclear program had been largely unchecked for six years and that Iran had increased uranium enrichment to 60% purity, nearing weapons-grade levels (90%).
However, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi cautioned against targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities as Israel intensifies its actions against Tehran.
Netanyahu offered no details on the extent of the damage to Iran’s nuclear program following the strikes, stating on Monday that the operation was insufficient to completely halt Iran’s pursuit of nuclear weapons.
Israel destroyed an active nuclear weapons research facility in Parchin, approximately 20 miles southeast of Tehran.
Grossi visited two Iranian nuclear sites last week and announced plans for high-level discussions with Tehran to ensure Iran’s compliance with international agreements and nuclear safeguards.
In a subsequent X post, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi expressed willingness to engage in international talks but emphasized that Tehran would not yield to pressure, particularly given President-elect Trump’s anticipated firmer stance toward Iran.
“The ball is in the EU/E3 court,” the foreign minister stated, referring to the three European nations (France, Britain, and Germany) representing Western interests, including the U.S., in nuclear negotiations.
“Willing to negotiate based on our national interest and inalienable rights but not ready to negotiate under pressure and intimidation,” Araghchi added.