Iran’s Atomic Energy Organisation on Friday said its Natanz nuclear facility sustained damages, hours after Israel launched attacks targeting Tehran’s nuclear facilities.
Though the admission, Iran has also revealed that there were no casualties, or radioactive and chemical contamination reported at the facility.
The Organisation called the attack a “failure” for the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), attributing it to the “shortcomings” of its Director.
“Israel’s attack is a ‘failure’ for the IAEA as a result of its Director’s ‘shortcomings’,” the Organisation said in its statement, per Reuters.IAEA chief calls for maximum restraint Meanwhile, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi stressed the need for maximum restraint following the attack.
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“I have indicated to the respective authorities my readiness to travel at the earliest to assess the situation and ensure safety, security and non-proliferation in Iran,” Grossi said in a separate statement.I call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint to avoid further escalation, he added. The IAEA chief also reiterated the watchdog’s role in helping resolve the crisis. “IAEA stands ready to facilitate technical discussions and support efforts that promote transparency, safety, security and the peaceful resolution of nuclear-related issues in Iran.”Israel strikes Iran’s nuclear facilities, Iran vows revengeIsrael launched a massive attack on Iran on Friday, striking nuclear facilities, ballistic missile factories, and key military sites in what it called “Operation Rising Lion”— a decisive move meant to roll back Iran’s growing threat. The Israeli military said 200 fighter jets were involved in the strikes, hitting more than 100 targets across Iran, including Iran’s main enrichment site at Natanz.
Witnesses and Iranian media reported explosions near Natanz and strikes against Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guards and key commanders. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei condemned the attack as a “wicked and bloody crime against Iran” and pledged a “bitter fate” for Israel. Iran responded by closing its airspace and airports and putting its defensive forces on high alert, while many carriers rerouted their flights to avoid the conflict zone.
The attack raised alarm across the Middle East and raised the risk of escalation in a region already destabilized by the ongoing war in Gaza. The Israeli strikes followed Iran’s alleged progress toward developing a nuclear weapon — a claim Iran has repeatedly denied, insisting its nuclear program is for peaceful energy purposes. Iran called the attack “cowardly” and insisted it underscores the need to pursue enrichment and defensive capabilities.
Risk of a wider conflict in West Asia
The attack drew a range of international responses. The White House insisted the United States was not involved in the strikes and called for maximum restraint. President Trump, however, reiterated Iran should not be allowed to develop a nuclear bomb and demanded Iran scrap its enrichment program in exchange for a new deal.
U.S. officials said a sixth round of talks with Iran in Oman — meant to resolve disputes over Iran’s nuclear program — would proceed as scheduled on Sunday, reflecting a delicate diplomatic path forward.
Meanwhile, Iran’s state media said two nuclear scientists were killed in the attack and Iran’s elite commander Hossein Salami was also struck. Iran closed its airspace and raised its defenses, while Israel called up tens of thousands of soldiers and put its borders on high alert.
As tensions rise, many fear a further escalation could undermine stability across the region, threatening oil prices and adding to worries about a wider conflict in West Asia.
(With inputs from Reuters)