• US strikes significantly damaged Iran's nuclear facilities, especially Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.
• IAEA chief cautions that damage assessment requires a cessation of hostilities.
• Initial US intelligence suggests Iran's nuclear program remains largely intact despite claims of major setbacks.
• Iran threatens to exit the NPT and suspends cooperation with the IAEA.
• Ongoing tensions may hinder diplomatic negotiations related to Iran's nuclear program.

The UN nuclear chief, Rafael Grossi, reported that the recent US and Israeli military strikes have inflicted “very significant damage” to Iran's major nuclear facilities, including Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. These remarks were made during an emergency meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), emphasizing the urgency for a ceasefire to allow IAEA inspectors access to assess the damage accurately. Grossi noted that without this access, the extent of the underground damage remains unclear due to ongoing conflict conditions, according to Al Jazeera and The Hill.

The US government claims these strikes were successful in “degrading Iran's capacity to produce a nuclear weapon.” Acting US envoy Dorothy Shea explained that the airstrikes aimed to mitigate threats posed by Iran, especially to regional stability, consistent with international self-defense rights under the U.N. Charter. However, preliminary intelligence assessments reported a more modest impact than initially claimed, indicating that Iran's nuclear capabilities are largely intact and could be set back by only months, challenging President Trump's assertion of complete destruction, according to Reuters and Middle East Eye.

In response to the attacks, Iran's officials have indicated a potential withdrawal from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and suspension of cooperation with the IAEA, signaling their discontent with the agency's role regarding the conflict. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian affirmed that Iran seeks to negotiate but remains standing firm against any aggression. Both sides have proclaimed victories within the context of the ongoing conflict, reflecting a complex dynamic that may complicate future diplomatic efforts, as reported by Middle East Eye and Reuters.

Moreover, the geopolitical landscape is evolving, with Israeli military officials claiming that their strikes could delay Iran's nuclear program significantly, while Grossi emphasized that the IAEA requires immediate access to assess the damage accurately. The complexities surrounding these developments signal heightened tensions and the crucial need for diplomatic dialogue to restore stability, according to Al Jazeera and The Hill.