The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has reported that centrifuges at Iran's Natanz facility may have been severely damaged following recent Israeli airstrikes. The attack has raised concerns about Iran's nuclear ambitions and prompted calls for international condemnation.
Damage Report: IAEA Confirms Significant Impact on Iran's Natanz Facility
Damage Report: IAEA Confirms Significant Impact on Iran's Natanz Facility
After Israeli strikes, the International Atomic Energy Agency reveals likely severe damage to centrifuges in Iran's underground uranium enrichment site.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has confirmed that Israel's recent airstrikes on Iran's Natanz underground uranium enrichment facility have likely caused severe damage to its centrifuges. Rafael Grossi, the IAEA's chief, stated that the strikes on Friday resulted in power outages that might have critically affected the machines responsible for enriching uranium at the site.
Grossi, speaking to member states in Vienna, mentioned that the above-ground part of the Pilot Fuel Enrichment Plant (PFEP) had been "completely destroyed," while reports indicated that four buildings at the Isfahan nuclear site also sustained damage without any visible impact on the Fordo enrichment plant. The IAEA is closely monitoring the situation and has ensured that radiation levels outside remain unchanged.
The Israeli military has taken responsibility for the strikes, claiming that they were aimed at preventing Iran from making progress in developing nuclear weapons. Israeli sources alleged that nine Iranian nuclear scientists were killed the during attacks, underscoring the severity of the situation.
In response, Iran emphasized that its nuclear program is peaceful and called on the IAEA's board to condemn the Israeli actions. Furthermore, Grossi expressed concern about potential radiological contamination arising from military escalations, urging all parties to exercise restraint.
Iran’s Foreign Minister condemned the strikes as a "blatant violation of international law" and framed Iran's missile strikes on Israel as a necessary response. Meanwhile, the Israeli military announced the continuation of operations aimed at neutralizing perceived threats from Iranian nuclear endeavors.
As tensions escalate in the region, the IAEA's report highlights the precarious balance between nuclear proliferation concerns and ongoing military conflicts, raising questions about the future of the Iran nuclear deal and broader Middle Eastern stability.
