The United Nations nuclear watchdog has confirmed that one of Iran’s most strategic atomic facilities suffered structural damage following recent military strikes by the United States and Israel.
In an update on Tuesday, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said newly reviewed satellite imagery shows that the entrance buildings of the Natanz Fuel Enrichment Plant were hit during the operations.
The confirmation represents the first official acknowledgment of physical impact on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure since the coordinated attacks began. A day earlier, IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi had stated there was “no indication” that nuclear installations had been struck.
Despite the visible structural damage, the agency emphasized that there were no radiological consequences and no signs of further impact within the core operational sections of the facility.
Separate satellite imagery reviewed by US media outlets, citing analysis from spatial intelligence firm Vantor, reportedly shows damage to a large warehouse and two smaller two-storey buildings within the Natanz complex.
The Natanz site is regarded as one of Iran’s most sensitive nuclear locations. According to the non-profit Nuclear Threat Initiative, the facility includes six above-ground buildings and three underground structures, two of which can accommodate up to 50,000 centrifuges.
The latest development heightens concerns over nuclear safety and regional stability as tensions continue to mount in the wake of the escalating conflict.
