The Wall Street Journal has reported that Israel recently dealt a major blow to Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, causing significant destruction at key nuclear development sites. Among the targeted locations were the Natanz and Isfahan facilities, and the extent of the impact seems to be more severe than earlier assessments suggested.
At Natanz, satellite images and reports from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reveal that around 14,000 centrifuges located beneath the surface were lost due to a disruption in the facility’s power supply.
The attack at Natanz caused the collapse of a large enrichment facility above ground, along with extensive damage to associated power systems and support operations. The IAEA noted that the loss of electrical infrastructure had a devastating effect on the subterranean centrifuges.
In Isfahan, key components of Iran’s uranium conversion process sustained heavy damage. The site’s conversion plant and the facility responsible for manufacturing fuel plates were hit hard, with no fewer than four major buildings reportedly reduced to rubble. Despite the destruction, radiation levels are said to remain within acceptable safety thresholds.
Meanwhile, the Fordow site experienced relatively light damage, primarily affecting buildings located on the surface. The critical centrifuge arrays buried deep underground, protected by layers of rock, remained untouched. The IAEA verified that the fortified subterranean enrichment halls showed no signs of impairment.
Fordow continues to serve as Iran’s most protected enrichment center. Although some surface-level assets were struck, the underground infrastructure—which includes operational centrifuges and enrichment systems—was not affected. This means that Iran retains the ability to resume the production of weapons-grade uranium at that facility if it makes that decision.
{Matzav.com}
