Israeli Strikes Severely Damage Iran's Natanz Centrifuges, Warns IAEA Chief

Rafael Grossi, head of the IAEA, reports that Israeli airstrikes on Iran's Natanz uranium enrichment facility likely led to severe damage to centrifuges amidst escalating military actions between Israel and Iran. This incident underscores ongoing concerns regarding the potential weaponization of Iran's nuclear program, as both nations continue to exchange aggressive statements and actions.

Centrifuges at Iran's underground uranium enrichment site in Natanz are believed to have suffered severe damage, if not complete destruction, following Israeli airstrikes conducted on Friday, according to Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Speaking to member states in Vienna, Grossi attributed the damage not only to direct hits but significantly to power outages induced by the attacks which affected the delicate balance necessary for centrifuge operation.

In the strike, the above-ground section of the Pilot Fuel Enrichment Plant (PFEP) was entirely destroyed, with Grossi confirming that while the underground halls housing centrifuges were not hit directly, the loss of external power likely compromised their functionality. The IAEA chief expressed concerns that the centrifuges, which enrich uranium, could have been severely damaged or destroyed due to the sudden loss of power.

Israeli officials claimed the airstrikes aimed to thwart Iran's nuclear weapons development, alleging that the strikes resulted in the deaths of nine Iranian nuclear scientists. In response, Tehran has maintained that its nuclear endeavors are solely for peaceful purposes, calling for a robust condemnation from the IAEA’s board against the Israeli actions.

The IAEA also noted damage to four buildings at the Isfahan nuclear site; however, no structural impairments were reported at the underground Fordo enrichment facility. Grossi warned that aggressive military responses could escalate the situation into more severe conflict, which poses risks not only to international peace but also to regional safety regarding potential radiological incidents.

Moreover, Iranian officials have described the Israeli strikes as a violation of international law, escalating retaliatory rhetoric. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the attacks and announced a response to this aggression, linking them directly to the ongoing military efforts against Israel.

In light of these developments, the Israeli military has vowed to continue its operations to counteract what it describes as an existential threat due to Iran's nuclear program. Casualties from the recent conflict reports indicate over 220 deaths in Iran following the air strikes, while Israeli reports mention 24 deaths from Iranian missile attacks.

Historically, tensions over uranium enrichment have been a focal point following the U.S. withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal, which had imposed strict limitations on Iran's nuclear activities. Following this withdrawal, Iran resumed higher levels of uranium enrichment, raising alarms internationally about its implications for nuclear proliferation in the region.