Iranian Lawmaker Affirms Continuation of Nuclear Program Despite Airstrike Damage

Iran Reiterates Commitment to Nuclear Development

Fadahossein Maleki, a prominent Iranian lawmaker and member of parliament's national security and foreign policy committee, stated on Saturday, October 25, 2025, that Iran is continuing to advance its nuclear program. This assertion comes despite acknowledged damage to several atomic facilities resulting from recent airstrikes. Maleki emphasized that 'work is ongoing' and that 'nuclear science has become part of the daily life of our people,' indicating Iran's resolve to proceed with its program 'regardless of outside rhetoric' and that there is 'no reason to abandon it'.

Impact of Recent Airstrikes on Key Facilities

Iran's nuclear infrastructure sustained significant damage from a series of airstrikes in June 2025. Both the United States and Israel conducted operations targeting key Iranian nuclear sites. Israeli forces launched attacks on June 13, 2025, while the U.S. carried out strikes on June 22, 2025, under the codename 'Operation Midnight Hammer'. The primary targets included the nuclear facilities at Isfahan, Natanz, and Fordow. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed in July 2025 that the facilities were 'seriously damaged'. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi also reported 'severe damage,' noting that 'almost all sensitive equipment' at the Fordow site had been destroyed. Despite the physical damage, Iranian officials maintain that the underlying technical expertise and personnel remain intact, allowing for reconstruction and continued development.

Advancements and International Concerns

The IAEA has noted that Iran's technical expertise in nuclear matters survived the recent conflict. According to Grossi, Iran currently possesses enough enriched uranium to produce ten nuclear weapons if it chose to enrich further, though he added there is no evidence Tehran is seeking to build one. Iran's overall stockpile of enriched uranium significantly exceeds the limits set by the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), reportedly more than 40 times the permitted amount. The country has also been enriching uranium to 60% purity, a level considered close to weapons-grade and without practical civilian application. Furthermore, Iran has reduced IAEA monitoring activities, raising concerns about the agency's ability to verify the peaceful nature of the program. Recent satellite imagery and reports suggest Iran is actively rebuilding and expanding its nuclear infrastructure, including new construction at the former Taleghan 2 nuclear research site at the Parchin Military Complex, and moving facilities underground to enhance survivability against future attacks.

Challenges to International Oversight

Maleki's statements come amidst heightened tensions between Tehran and the IAEA. On October 25, 2025, Iran, along with Russia and China, formally questioned the IAEA's mandate to monitor Iran's nuclear program following the expiry of UN Security Council Resolution 2231 on October 18, 2025. The three nations asserted that with the resolution's termination, the IAEA's reporting mandate under the 2015 nuclear deal has concluded. This development further complicates international efforts to oversee Iran's nuclear activities, as Iran has consistently maintained that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes and views its continuation as a matter of national pride and sovereignty.