American intelligence caught high-ranking Iranian officials behind the scenes after attacks on their nuclear facilities by the USA. According to the Washington Post, Iranian officials were surprised that the damage caused was less than expected.
Response to the damage caused and further steps
The Trump administration acknowledged the fact of intercepting the conversation but rejected the Iranian officials’ claims about the destructive scale of the strikes. Their emphasis was on the fact that key facilities, particularly a metal processing unit, were completely destroyed and would require time for recovery.
The Iranian Ambassador to the UN, Amir Saeid Iravani, stated that regardless of all circumstances, uranium enrichment by the Islamic Republic would not stop, as it must be legal under the nuclear non-proliferation agreement.
Ayatollah Khamenei on refusal to capitulate and conflict with the USA
The Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, responded to statements by US President Donald Trump about Iran's capitulation. He stated that Iran would never yield and emphasized that Americans would always find a reason to attack.
“Those who know our nation laugh at the word ‘capitulation’ in the context of Iran, a country with a great history, culture, and strong will of its people,” Khamenei said.
President Trump's response to the possible lifting of sanctions
President Donald Trump noted that he was willing to consider the issue of lifting sanctions against Iran in the event of peaceful steps from Tehran. At the same time, while maintaining sanctions, he emphasized that he might support their cancellation in the future.
As a result of the attacks on Iran's nuclear facilities, US intelligence gained access to a private conversation among Iranian officials, who expressed surprise at the destructive consequences of the strikes. At the same time, tension between the USA and Iran continues, and both sides are looking for possible ways to further interaction.