The United Nations nuclear watchdog has confirmed that Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility was among the targets in a recent strike, as tensions between Israel and Iran escalated sharply following a suspected Israeli operation on key Iranian military and nuclear assets.
Rafael Grossi, Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), said in a statement on Friday that the agency is “closely monitoring the deeply concerning situation in Iran” and is in contact with Iranian authorities as well as its inspectors present in the country.
“The Agency can confirm Natanz site among targets,” Grossi said. “We are in contact with Iranian authorities regarding radiation levels. We are also in contact with our inspectors in the country.”
The IAEA’s confirmation comes hours after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that “Operation Rising Lion” had struck Iran’s primary uranium enrichment facility in Natanz, nuclear scientists, and what he described as “the heart of Iran’s ballistic missiles program.”
Natanz, located approximately 250 kilometres south of Tehran, is considered the cornerstone of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. It houses thousands of centrifuges and is widely regarded by experts as the country’s most advanced uranium enrichment facility.
The site has previously been the focus of international concern and sabotage attempts, including cyberattacks and explosions, due to its role in Iran’s controversial nuclear programme. Analysts say the facility plays a central role in enriching uranium to levels required for civilian energy production, though Western governments have long accused Tehran of harbouring ambitions for nuclear weapon capabilities — a charge Iran denies.
The IAEA has not yet reported any abnormal radiation levels but has indicated that assessments are ongoing.
“We are continuing to gather information to understand the full extent of the damage, if any, and its implications for the safety and security of nuclear material in the country,” the agency’s statement added.
Iranian officials have yet to issue a detailed response on the extent of damage at Natanz, though state media acknowledged that several locations were “targeted by hostile foreign action.”
Tensions between Israel and Iran have surged in recent weeks amid a string of covert operations, military exchanges, and accusations over the advancement of Iran’s missile and nuclear capabilities.
The strike, if confirmed to be carried out by Israel, marks one of the most significant attacks on Iranian infrastructure in recent years, drawing global attention and sparking fears of further escalation in an already volatile region.
Diplomatic sources said the UN Security Council is expected to convene an emergency session in the coming days to discuss the developments, while international observers have called for restraint and dialogue to prevent a broader regional conflict.
