Israeli strike directly hit underground Natanz enrichment plant, IAEA confirms
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An Israeli airstrike on Iran's Natanz nuclear complex has directly hit the underground uranium enrichment plant, the UN nuclear watchdog confirmed on Tuesday, revising its earlier assessment.
Initially, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) had reported only indirect damage to the underground site, noting the destruction of an above-ground pilot enrichment facility.
However, new high-resolution satellite imagery reviewed since the attacks began on Friday indicates that the underground enrichment halls at Natanz also sustained direct impacts.
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.
No change to report at Esfahan and Fordow. — IAEA - International Atomic Energy Agency ⚛️ (@iaeaorg) June 17, 2025
"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," the UN body said on X.
The IAEA had previously said the plant's centrifuges were likely badly damaged due to a strike on its power supply.
Meanwhile, the agency reported no change at Iran's two other major nuclear facilities, Fordow and Isfahan. Fordow, a deeply buried site where uranium is enriched up to 60% — close to weapons-grade — appeared to have sustained little or no damage.
In contrast, at Isfahan, several facilities were destroyed, including a uranium conversion plant that feeds material into centrifuges for enrichment. The IAEA continues to monitor the situation, though it has not been able to conduct on-site inspections.
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