Iran Claims US-Israeli Airstrikes Targeted Natanz Nuclear Facility

Iran’s Ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Reza Najafi, has alleged that airstrikes conducted by the United States and Israel targeted the Natanz enrichment facility. This claim was made during a press conference on Monday at the IAEA headquarters in Vienna. The assertion contradicts the assessment of IAEA Director-General Rafael Mariano Grossi, who stated that, as of now, there is no evidence indicating that nuclear facilities in Iran have been affected.

Najafi characterized the airstrikes as an attack on Iran’s peaceful nuclear program, asserting, “Their justification that Iran wants to develop nuclear weapons is simply a big lie.” When pressed for details, he specifically referenced the Natanz facility, located approximately 220 kilometers (about 135 miles) south of Tehran. This site has been central to Iran’s uranium enrichment activities, which have previously reached levels up to 60%, nearing the weapons-grade threshold of 90%.

The Natanz facility has been a focal point of tension in the region. In June 2023, the main above-ground enrichment building, known as the Pilot Fuel Enrichment Plant, was severely damaged by an Israeli airstrike on June 13. Grossi noted that the attack left the facility “functionally destroyed” and caused significant harm to underground areas housing centrifuges. A subsequent attack on June 22 involved the use of bunker-busting bombs, which likely resulted in further destruction of the remaining infrastructure.

During the special session of the IAEA Board of Governors, Grossi reiterated that the agency, as of now, has “no indication that any of the nuclear installations, including the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant and the Tehran Research Reactor, have been damaged.” He emphasized the importance of communication with Iranian nuclear authorities, revealing ongoing challenges in establishing contact due to the current geopolitical situation.

Grossi also expressed concerns about the broader implications of military actions in the region. He warned that countries with operational nuclear power plants and research reactors, such as Iran, are at heightened risk, which elevates concerns about nuclear safety. To date, he confirmed that there have been no detected increases in radiation levels in neighboring countries.

Najafi’s remarks included sharp criticism of U.S. policies, claiming that the U.S. employs “deception and disinformation” to justify military interventions. He described the attacks on Iranian facilities as “unlawful, criminal, and brutal,” urging the 35-member IAEA Board of Governors to unequivocally condemn such actions.

The ongoing tensions surrounding Iran’s nuclear program continue to provoke international scrutiny and debate. The situation remains fluid, with potential ramifications for regional stability and global nuclear security.

This coverage of nuclear security is supported by the Carnegie Corporation of New York and the Outrider Foundation. The Associated Press retains full responsibility for the content.