Israel targeted Iranian nuclear sites in a drone attack. Operation 'Rising Lion' caused damage to several plants, including Natanz. Iran confirmed limited damage but denied significant losses.
Israel Iran conflict: The ongoing tension between Israel and Iran has escalated into direct military confrontation. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), under Operation "Rising Lion," targeted several key Iranian nuclear facilities. These attacks, launched late Thursday night, targeted nuclear plants in Natanz, Shiraz, and Tabriz. Israel claims its attacks significantly damaged Iran's nuclear program.
Natanz: The Main Target
The IDF launched the most significant attack on the Natanz facility, considered the "heart" of Iran's nuclear program. This is where Iran concentrates its uranium enrichment activities. The plant has always been sensitive under international scrutiny. Reports indicate six nuclear scientists were killed in the attack.
Iran Acknowledges Damage
Initially dismissing reports, Iran's Atomic Energy Organization admitted on Saturday to damage at its Fordow plant. Spokesperson Behrooz Kamalvandi stated, "There was some minor damage, but the enrichment materials had already been removed. There is no radiation threat, and the damage is limited."
Activities at the Fordow Site
The Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant (FFEP) is an underground facility where Iran performs enrichment using its high-capacity IR-6 centrifuges. The US, France, and the UK have previously expressed concerns about this site. In 2009, these countries revealed that Iran was operating approximately 2000 high-tech centrifuges at this location.
Strategic Importance of the Natanz Plant
Located in Isfahan province, the Natanz plant is the backbone of Iran's enrichment program. Two main plants operate there:
Fuel Enrichment Plant (FEP): An underground plant with the capacity to house approximately 50,000 centrifuges. Currently, 14,000 centrifuges are operational, with 11,000 active, enriching uranium to 5 percent.
Pilot Fuel Enrichment Plant (PFEP): This above-ground plant houses a few hundred centrifuges enriching uranium to purities of up to 60 percent. This level is close to the 90 percent threshold required for nuclear weapons production.
Israel's Mission and Strategy
According to the IDF, Operation Rising Lion was meticulously planned. The mission utilized drones and long-range missiles. Israeli military sources claim the attack set back Iran's nuclear program by months.
International Agencies Watching Closely
The IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) has already expressed concern over Iran's stockpiled enriched uranium. According to the agency, Iran possesses enough enriched uranium to build a nuclear bomb within weeks. This is why an attack on a facility like Natanz is considered critically serious internationally.
