Natanz Under Fire? Iran Accuses U.S. and Israel of Double Strike on Nuclear Site
Iran’s IAEA envoy claims the Natanz enrichment facility was hit twice by "brutal" U.S.-Israeli airstrikes. While Tehran calls for condemnation, the IAEA reports no radiation spike.
Iran's ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has accused the United States and Israel of targeting the Natanz nuclear enrichment site during airstrikes yesterday.
Reza Najafi, Iran's IAEA envoy, stated that the "peaceful, safeguarded nuclear facilities" at Natanz were attacked twice in what he described as "brutal" operations.
This claim comes amid the ongoing U.S.-Israeli campaign, dubbed Operation Roaring Lion, which began on February 28 following the assassination of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
The Natanz facility, Iran's primary uranium enrichment site located underground in Isfahan Province, has been a focal point of international concerns over Tehran's nuclear program.
Iranian Atomic Energy Organization head Mohammad Eslami echoed the accusations, urging the IAEA to condemn the strikes but providing no details on damage or casualties.
Reports indicate U.S. B-1 bombers were involved in operations targeting Iranian sites yesterday, aligning with Iran's assertions.
However, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi stated there is "no indication" that any nuclear facilities sustained damage, with no detected increase in radiation levels at sites like Natanz, Fordow, Isfahan, or the Bushehr nuclear power plant.
Grossi urged restraint to avoid escalation, noting the agency has limited access to Iranian sites since previous strikes in June 2025.
Neither the U.S. nor Israel has officially confirmed or denied striking Natanz, though broader statements emphasize targeting Iran's "nuclear infrastructure" and military capabilities.
Social media and eyewitness accounts describe explosions at Natanz, with some unverified videos circulating of alleged strikes.
The IAEA has warned of potential radiation risks if confirmed, prompting emergency meetings at the agency's Vienna headquarters.
This incident echoes the June 2025 U.S. strikes that severely damaged Natanz and other sites, setting back Iran's program by months to years.
The conflict is escalating, with strikes expanding to ballistic missile sites, naval assets, and other infrastructure.
Iran has retaliated with missile and drone attacks on U.S. bases and Israeli targets, while closing the Strait of Hormuz.