Iran's Foreign Minister Araghchi Warns of Radiation Risks at Bombed Nuclear Sites, Reiterates Call for Fair US Dialogue

Iran Raises Alarm Over Nuclear Facility Safety

Tehran, Iran – Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, issued a stark warning on December 8, 2025, regarding the safety of the nation's nuclear facilities. Speaking in an interview with Japan's Kyodo News, Araghchi stated that sites bombed during a '12-day US-Israeli war of aggression in June' now present significant radiation risks and contain unexploded munitions. He emphasized that Iran is seeking Japan's expertise in managing atomic disasters to help secure these damaged facilities.

The Foreign Minister's remarks highlight a contradiction with earlier statements from Tehran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in June 2025, which had indicated no immediate increase in radiation levels around sites like Natanz. However, concerns about potential radiation release and contamination from damaged nuclear facilities, particularly those containing enriched uranium or radioactive materials, have been voiced by international bodies and experts.

Commitment to Peaceful Nuclear Program Underscored

During his statement, Araghchi reiterated Iran's unwavering commitment to its peaceful nuclear program. He affirmed Iran's status as a committed member of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), asserting the country's right to utilize nuclear technology for peaceful purposes, including uranium enrichment, in accordance with international law. Iran has consistently maintained that its nuclear ambitions are solely for civilian applications, such as energy production and research.

Iran views the capacity to produce nuclear fuel as a fundamental aspect of its sovereignty and political autonomy, a stance supported by its long-standing membership in the NPT since 1968.

Conditions for Dialogue with the United States

Minister Araghchi also addressed the prospect of renewed dialogue with the United States, indicating Iran's openness to negotiations under 'fair and balanced' terms. He specified that an acceptable framework for talks would necessitate the US recognizing Iran's right to peaceful nuclear technology, including enrichment. Furthermore, Araghchi called for a guarantee from the United States that it would not launch further attacks while negotiations and cooperation with the IAEA are underway.

Iran remains skeptical of US intentions, citing Washington's previous withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal (JCPOA) and its support for recent military actions against Iranian territory. Previous attempts at dialogue have faltered over US demands for 'zero uranium enrichment' and other conditions, which Tehran has consistently deemed unacceptable and contrary to international norms. Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has also outlined broader conditions for cooperation, including a change in US regional policy, specifically regarding support for Israel and military presence.