The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has confirmed that an Israeli airstrike struck the Khondab nuclear reactor in Iran’s Arak region earlier this week. According to the agency, the facility was under construction, not operational, and contained no nuclear material at the time of the attack. No radiation leaks or contamination risks have been identified.
“The Khondab reactor was hit, – the IAEA stated. – It was not operational and did not contain nuclear material.”
The strike was part of a broader Israeli campaign targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. While no functioning reactors were affected, the IAEA also reported damage to key facilities tied to Iran’s uranium enrichment program, including centrifuge production workshops near Tehran and underground halls at the Natanz nuclear site.
Multiple Sites Targeted
Israeli forces have conducted what has been described as the most extensive air campaign against Iranian nuclear assets to date. Facilities hit include:
- Khondab reactor (Arak) – confirmed strike, non-operational, no radiation risk.
- Natanz enrichment plant – underground sections confirmed damaged.
- Tehran centrifuge workshops – sites that produce key rotor parts for advanced centrifuges reportedly sustained structural damage.
The attacks were carried out amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran following suspected Iranian drone operations and proxy activity across the Middle East.
IAEA Response
The IAEA dispatched inspectors to the affected locations shortly after the strikes. Their findings confirmed that no radioactive material was released and that none of the facilities struck were engaged in active nuclear processing at the time.
The agency emphasized the importance of transparency and international monitoring in such situations. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi stated that continued access to Iranian facilities would remain essential for maintaining oversight.
Regional Reactions
Iran has not officially responded to the IAEA’s latest report but has vowed to retaliate for what it described as “acts of aggression” against its sovereignty. Israeli officials have defended the strikes as “necessary preventive measures” aimed at curbing what they allege is Tehran’s hidden drive toward nuclear weapons capability.
U.S. officials have so far refrained from direct comment on the Israeli campaign but are closely monitoring the situation. With American forces stationed throughout the region, Washington is weighing the potential for escalation and its implications for global energy markets and regional stability.
Strategic Implications
While the immediate threat of nuclear contamination has been ruled out, analysts warn that attacks on nuclear-related infrastructure—even non-operational—set a dangerous precedent. The targeting of such sensitive sites risks undermining long-standing international norms that discourage military action against nuclear facilities.
Diplomatic channels remain open, but tensions are high. International watchdogs, including the United Nations and European Union, have called for restraint and reiterated the importance of reestablishing dialogue between Tehran and Western powers.
