Behrouz Kamalvandi, Iran's Atomic Energy Organisation (AEOI) spokesman, said on October 16 that an Israeli attack on Iranian nuclear sites is improbable and unlikely to cause serious damage, according to Iran's Nour News agency.

"Even if damage occurs, Iran is able to quickly recover because the knowledge is in the minds of our specialists and scientists," Kamalvandi said, adding that Iran remains vigilant despite not viewing the threats as serious.

The statement comes amid heightened tensions following Iran's missile attack on Israel on October 1, which prompted Israeli threats of retaliation. Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant has said the response would be "precise and lethal".

Iran claims it has planned to minimise potential damage from any attack and warns of a "crushing response" to Israel and regional states allowing use of their airspace. Tehran has called on the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to fulfil its duty in condemning threats against nuclear sites.

Kamalvandi criticised the international community and the IAEA for their silence on the threats, stating, "This silence is detrimental to all countries and the IAEA."

Israeli officials have not confirmed reports suggesting a shift in their retaliation plans from targeting oil and nuclear sites to focusing on military installations. Despite U.S. reluctance to support an attack on Iran's oil and nuclear sites, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office has stated it would make decisions based on national interests.

The ongoing tensions highlight the complex geopolitical situation in the Middle East, with potential implications for regional stability and global nuclear non-proliferation efforts.

Neither the IAEA nor Israeli officials have immediately responded to Iran's latest statements.