Israeli Airstrikes Destroy Part of Iran’s Natanz Nuclear Facility

Israeli aviation struck a uranium enrichment nuclear facility in Natanz, one of the key elements of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.

On the night leading into Friday, Israel attacked several strategically important sites in Iran, including the main uranium enrichment center in Natanz.

Satellite images taken by Airbus Defence and released by the Open Source Centre have documented significant damage to the complex.

In particular, it is visible that several buildings were destroyed or seriously damaged as a result of the nighttime strike.

Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), stated that the Natanz facility sustained significant damage.

“The Natanz facility has been seriously damaged,” Grossi said, citing data provided to him by sources. The IAEA chief also said that he plans to travel to Iran in the near future to assess the situation on the ground.

Despite this, Iranian officials claim that the key underground parts of the nuclear facility were not damaged. According to them, only the above-ground structures were damaged.

The Iranian agency Mehr, citing the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, reported that some parts of the facility were damaged due to the attack, but assured that the strategic infrastructure remained intact.

Meanwhile, in Israel, officials are confident that the airstrikes had a significant impact. According to Israeli authorities, the strikes substantially affected Iran’s uranium enrichment capabilities and sent a clear message against the unacceptable development of the nuclear program.

Overall, the Israeli Air Force conducted strikes on uranium enrichment facilities in Natanz and Fordow, as well as missile bases in Kermanshah and Khorramabad.

The attacks also targeted Tehran, Isfahan, Tabriz, and other major Iranian cities where Iranian officials and scientists connected to the nuclear program, as well as high-ranking military personnel, reside.

In an official statement, the Israel Defense Forces said the strikes were executed “to damage Iran’s nuclear program and in response to the ongoing aggression of the Iranian regime against Israel.”