Tehran: Iran's atomic energy agency has downplayed the possibility of a successful Israeli attack on its nuclear facilities, stating that such an assault is "unlikely" to occur and would not cause significant damage. The agency's spokesman, Behrouz Kamalvandi, made the remarks in a video interview with Nournews amidst rising regional tensions.

Kamalvandi asserted that, even in the event of an attack, Iran would be able to quickly recover from any damage caused. His comments come in the wake of heightened hostilities, as Iran launched approximately 200 missiles at Israel in early October, marking its second direct attack on the country.

The missile strike was described by Tehran as retaliation for the recent deaths of several Iran-aligned militant leaders, including Hezbollah's chief, Hassan Nasrallah, and Revolutionary Guards general Abbas Nilforoushan, killed in an Israeli air raid in Beirut in September.

Israel has promised a strong retaliation, with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant warning of a "deadly, precise, and surprising" response. U.S. President Joe Biden has advised Israel against attacking Iran's nuclear or oil facilities, though Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office has emphasized that Israel will make its decisions independently.

Iran has reiterated that any attack on its infrastructure would trigger a stronger response, with Iranian officials warning of serious consequences if Israel targets nuclear or energy sites.