Trump claims Iran's nuclear sites ‘totally destroyed’

US President Donald Trump reacted sharply to reports of damage at one of Iran’s nuclear facilities, claiming that Iran’s three main nuclear sites have been "completely destroyed and disabled".

In a statement posted on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump said, “If Iran wants to restart its nuclear program, it will have to begin again from three entirely different locations, which will take years.”

According to the 24NewsHD TV channel, Trump's remarks have sparked renewed tensions at a time when Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasised the need for serious, sincere diplomacy with the United States.

Speaking at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, Araghchi underlined that Iran’s nuclear programme remains peaceful, and a balanced solution to the ongoing nuclear dispute must serve the interests of both nations.

He referred to the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) as a landmark diplomatic victory, asserting that the deal proved dialogue is more effective than confrontation.

Araghchi warned, however, that any future aggression would be met with a decisive response from Iran, though he reiterated that Tehran does not seek war.

He concluded by stating that genuine and committed dialogue is the only viable path to a sustainable resolution of the nuclear standoff.