UN Nuclear Agency IAEA Confirms Damage To Underground Nuclear Site In Israeli Hits
Israel successfully struck Iran's fortified Natanz nuclear facility, impacting underground uranium enrichment halls, according to the IAEA. While Natanz and Isfahan sustained damage, Fordow remains largely untouched.
Israel has successfully struck Iran’s highly fortified Natanz nuclear facility, according to a statement from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). On Tuesday, the UN nuclear watchdog confirmed that precision strikes had reached the underground uranium enrichment halls at the site, which was previously believed to be nearly impenetrable due to its depth beneath the surface.
The IAEA revealed the development in a post on social media platform X, stating, “Based on continued analysis of high-resolution satellite imagery collected after Friday’s attacks, the IAEA has identified additional elements that indicate direct impacts on the underground enrichment halls at Natanz.”
Iran: Based on continued analysis of high resolution satellite imagery collected after Friday’s attacks, the IAEA has identified additional elements that indicate direct impacts on the underground enrichment halls at Natanz.
— IAEA - International Atomic Energy Agency ⚛️ (@iaeaorg) June 17, 2025
No change to report at Esfahan and Fordow.
Although the facility’s underground section was hit, the agency noted that Iran’s other key nuclear installations at Isfahan and Fordow remain unchanged. Due to the security situation, inspectors have not yet been able to access the site, and the agency is continuing its assessment through satellite imagery and reports from local sources.
According to the IAEA, an above-ground facility at Natanz had already been destroyed in an earlier strike. Director-General Rafael Grossi stated on Monday that the underground centrifuges were likely affected, particularly due to the disruption in power supply resulting from Friday’s bombardment.
Grossi further clarified that Fordow – Iran’s site where uranium enrichment has exceeded 60%, edging close to the 90% threshold required for weapons-grade material – appeared largely undamaged. Fordow is constructed deep within a mountain, making it extremely difficult to target, except with advanced US bunker-busting munitions.
IDF Operation Targets Iran’s Nuclear, Missile Infrastructure
Citing Israeli military officials, Times of Israel reported that the ongoing operation was launched to neutralise Iran’s nuclear programme and ballistic missile threat, which Israel deems an “existential threat.” The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have already targeted and significantly damaged both the Natanz and Isfahan enrichment facilities.
The operation, planned over several months, has also resulted in the deaths of at least nine nuclear scientists allegedly involved in weapons development, and the destruction of additional installations tied to Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. Offices and command centres have also been hit.
The IDF has denied any strikes on the Fordow facility so far but acknowledged it remains listed among its “bank of targets.” Defence Minister Israel Katz remarked that Fordow is “an issue that will certainly be addressed.”
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