The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed Tuesday that recent Israeli airstrikes on Iran’s Natanz nuclear site have caused “direct impacts” on its underground centrifuge halls, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between the two nations.
According to the IAEA, high-resolution satellite imagery taken after the attacks shows damage beyond the already-destroyed above-ground enrichment hall, revealing new evidence of structural impacts to the facility’s subterranean infrastructure.
“Continued analysis of post-strike satellite imagery indicates direct impacts on the underground enrichment halls at Natanz,” the agency stated, referring to Iran’s primary uranium enrichment site.
The strikes, part of an Israeli aerial campaign launched five days ago, have targeted key elements of Iran’s military and nuclear capabilities. Prior assessments had confirmed the destruction of above-ground buildings and electrical systems at the site, but this is the first time the UN watchdog has publicly reported damage to the underground sections.
Natanz has long been a focal point of international concern regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions. The IAEA’s findings add to mounting fears of further escalation in the region as tensions between Iran and Israel continue to rise.
