Nuclear programme damaged in June strikes
Before Israeli and US strikes on its nuclear facilities in June last year, Iran had been enriching uranium to 60% — far exceeding the 3.67% limit allowed under the 2015 nuclear agreement with world powers.
Israel attacked dozens of Iranian nuclear facilities, military bases and infrastructure installations on 13 June 2025, followed by US strikes on the Fordo, Natanz and Isfahan nuclear facilities on 22 June using bunker-buster bombs.
The strikes severely damaged Iran’s enrichment capabilities. However, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi has said Tehran could resume uranium enrichment within months.
Diluting uranium involves mixing it with blend material to reduce the enrichment level below a specified threshold.Iran is the only non-nuclear-weapons state enriching uranium to 60%, according to the IAEA.
Indirect talks to resume after Oman meeting
Eslami’s statement followed indirect talks between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff in Oman last Friday, the first negotiations since the June conflict.
Both sides agreed to continue negotiations. However, Araghchi warned that “the mistrust that has developed is a serious challenge”.
