Iran vows stronger nuclear rebuilding

Iran’s president visited the Atomic Energy Organization in Tehran and vowed to rebuild the country’s nuclear facilities “with greater strength,” while reiterating that Tehran does not seek a nuclear weapon and that its nuclear programme is intended for civilian uses such as health, desalination and industrial development. He toured the AEOI complex with its head, who announced plans to open Iran’s first nuclear-powered desalination plant alongside the Bushehr nuclear power station, with an initial phase capacity of about 70,000 cubic meters per day expected to come online in the calendar year beginning late March. Officials said nuclear desalination and other civil applications are being emphasized to link nuclear technology with everyday needs, including healthcare, agriculture and sustainable development.

The visit and statements come amid heightened tensions after strikes in June on Iranian nuclear sites that Washington and allies say targeted facilities tied to weapons development; Tehran maintains those sites were civilian. The U.S. warned it could order fresh strikes if Iran seeks to restart facilities it says were used for weaponisation. Iran’s parliament has moved to curtail cooperation with the IAEA unless guarantees on site safety and sovereignty are secured, reflecting a more assertive domestic posture.

AEOI leaders highlighted accelerating projects to diversify exports of nuclear technology and to integrate research, conservation and industrial applications. The president’s remarks aimed to reassure domestic scientists and signal to international critics that rebuilding and advancing Iran’s nuclear infrastructure will continue despite external pressure. Observers say the dual message—domestic reassurance and external deterrence—may complicate efforts to revive the 2015 nuclear accord and increase diplomatic friction with Western powers.

Analysts caution that while Iran stresses civilian aims and public-benefit projects such as desalination, the international community remains wary of activities that could shorten breakout timelines if enrichment capacity expands. The government framed its nuclear initiatives as necessary for national development and resilience, promising further investment in nuclear technology for power, water security and industrial uses. Investigations and diplomatic engagement are expected to follow as foreign governments assess Iran’s technical steps and intentions while balancing regional security concerns.