The International Atomic Energy Agency has provided a significant update following a fire outbreak at an Iranian nuclear facility. The Khondab Heavy Water Complex, a part of the Arak Nuclear Complex, was reportedly targeted twice today, as per the Fars news agency. Prior to the attacks, the Israeli Defence Forces issued a statement in Persian, warning of strikes on military installations in Arak.
Eyewitnesses from Iranian Telegram channels claimed that the complex sustained approximately 10 hits. Subsequently, a statement from the Israeli Defence Forces confirmed the strike on the Israeli nuclear complex in Arak. The IDF stated that it targeted the Arak Heavy Water Plant, highlighting its importance in plutonium production for nuclear weapons and emphasizing the threat posed by Iran’s nuclear program to Israel and the world.
The IAEA has reported that, according to Iranian authorities, there is no radiation risk associated with the attacks. The IAEA was informed by Iran that the Khondab heavy water production plant was hit, but no declared nuclear material was present, thus no radiation risk was identified. Additionally, Iran mentioned that the Khuzestan Steel Production Factory, utilizing radioactive sources for gauging, was also struck, with no off-site radiation release observed.
Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization, as reported by state media, assured that the strikes did not pose contamination risks. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the “Israeli crimes,” vowing that Iran would exact a “heavy price” for the actions, criticizing the attack amid extended diplomatic deadlines set by the U.S.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps cautioned about potential retaliatory measures and advised industrial workers in the region with U.S. affiliations to evacuate immediately. Meanwhile, the IAEA noted no increase in off-site radiation levels subsequent to an Israeli strike on Iran’s yellowcake production facility in Yazd province, reiterating a call for military restraint to prevent nuclear accidents.
Following Israel’s threat to escalate its campaign against Tehran, the U.S. and Israel jointly conducted multiple attacks on industrial and nuclear sites in Iran. Despite conflicting messages, including Trump’s mention of progressing war-ending negotiations and granting Tehran more time to address issues related to the Strait of Hormuz, tensions remain high.
