US and Israel Strike Iranian Nuclear Facilities: What We Know So Far
US President Donald Trump:
“A short time ago, the United States military conducted precision strikes on three key nuclear facilities of the Iranian regime — Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. This marks a decisive step to end the nuclear threat posed by the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism. I can report to the world tonight that these strikes were a spectacular military success.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also praised the operation, stating, “In tonight’s action against Iran’s nuclear facilities, America has been truly unsurpassed.”
On Saturday, US forces launched coordinated airstrikes targeting three Iranian nuclear sites — Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan. President Trump confirmed that Iran’s nuclear infrastructure had been “completely obliterated.” He warned that Tehran would face further, more devastating attacks if it did not agree to peace terms.
Key Highlights of the Operation
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The US Air Force deployed B-2 Spirit stealth bombers, among its most advanced weapons, to conduct precision attacks.
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The B-2, capable of penetrating sophisticated air defense systems, targeted Iran’s deeply buried and fortified nuclear research facilities.
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Iranian officials, cited by Tasnim News Agency, acknowledged that parts of the Fordow site were struck. However, a local lawmaker told Fars News Agency that the site did not sustain significant damage.
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Iran’s nuclear authority said there was no radiation leak or environmental hazard, assuring that nearby residents were safe.
International Reactions and Concerns
Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi called the strike a grave violation of the UN Charter and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
Experts and nuclear watchdogs have since weighed in on the risks of bombing nuclear sites. What happens when missiles hit such sensitive facilities? Could they trigger a nuclear meltdown or a disaster worse than Chernobyl?
What We Know About the Targeted Sites
On June 16, Israel officially confirmed its participation in strikes on multiple nuclear sites. The main target was Natanz, Iran’s largest uranium enrichment facility, located approximately 225 km south of Tehran.
According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA):
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Natanz suffered serious damage.
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The above-ground infrastructure was destroyed, including its power supply systems.
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The underground enrichment halls, which house thousands of centrifuges essential for enriching uranium, appear physically intact.
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However, the loss of power may have affected the centrifuges inside.
Risk of Catastrophe?
While the strikes didn’t result in a radiation leak, experts remain concerned. According to the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN):
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The impact of a strike depends on whether it hits the reactor core or fuel storage.
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If a spent fuel pool is ignited, it could release Cesium-137, a dangerous radioactive isotope.
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Cesium-137 can cause radiation sickness, burns, or even death. It also contaminates air, food, and water.
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A release of 1 million curies could render 2,000 square kilometers uninhabitable, surpassing even Chernobyl or Fukushima in potential devastation.
Damage to Isfahan and Fordow
Iran claims that Israel also targeted the Isfahan uranium conversion facility — a critical component of the nuclear fuel cycle. The IAEA confirms serious damage there. As one nuclear engineer put it, “If that piece breaks, the front end of the program dies.”
At Fordow, the extent of the damage remains unclear. The facility is highly fortified, and experts believe that it may have withstood the attack without complete destruction. Satellite imagery so far shows no visible damage at Fordow, suggesting it may still be operational.
The Global Fallout
While the strikes did not trigger a nuclear catastrophe, they have reignited global fears about the targeting of nuclear infrastructure during wartime.
Could future attacks bring the world closer to radioactive fallout?
And if nuclear sites are now considered legitimate military targets, how safe is any region in a conflict zone?
Stay tuned for more updates and in-depth analysis on this developing story.
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