Iran: Israel hit nuclear installation in Natanz – Risk of Radioactivity
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other Israeli officials said that the attack on Iran caused significant damage to Natanz. There lies the largest nuclear uranian enrichment facility in Iran.
The Iranian authorities say there has been no increase in radioactivity, but the International Atomic Energy Organization calls for access to the site to control the situation. Other reports indicate that radioactivity may have increased within the nuclear station.
In Israel’s attack on Iran, no other uranium enrichment facilities have been hit in Forto, Isfahan and Busher.
‘We destroyed Natanz’
Israeli officials argue that the damage to Natanz is significant, while Benjamin Netanyahu argued in his profession that we were « destroyed it ». The Israeli army argues that the Air Force destroyed the underground section of the facility, where it was housed « multi -level enrichment room, with centrifugal, electrical and other supporting infrastructure ». It also states that « critical infrastructure has also been destroyed that allowed the continued operation of the installation and the promotion of Iranian regime plans to build nuclear weapons ».
Satellite image of nuclear facility in Natanz, Iran
Natanz is Iran’s largest uranium enrichment facility. According to Israeli Armed Forces (IDF) there is a « nuclear weapon development » there for years and is « the infrastructure required to enrich at a military level ».
‘No increase in radioactivity’
Iran’s atomic energy authorities said the attack « caused damage to many parts of the facility », but that there was no increase in levels of radioactivity or chemical infection in Natanz.
The International Atomic Energy Organization, citing information from the Iranian authorities, said that the Iranian nuclear power plant in Busher, in the South Port, had not been targeted.
The head of the IAEA, Rafael Grossi, said in a statement that neither the main uranium enrichment center in Forto, nor the nuclear facility in Isfahan, had been affected.
Speaking at a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Organization, which belongs to the UN, Rafael Grossi also said he was ready to travel to Iran to evaluate the situation there.
IAEA calls on self -restraint
« I call on all parts to show maximum restraint to avoid further escalation, » Grossi said. « I reiterate that any military action that endangers the safety of nuclear facilities is at risk of serious consequences for the people of Iran, the region and beyond it, » he added.
The IAEA chief also announced that it has stated « to the competent authorities my readiness to travel as soon as possible to evaluate the situation and ensure the safety, protection and non -dissemination of nuclear weapons in Iran ».
Iran enriches uranium in purity of up to 60%when the construction of a nuclear weapon requires enrichment close to 90%. In Natanz it produces smaller quantities of this material than in Forto, location dug into a mountain. According to military experts, it would be difficult for Israel to destroy the Forto bombarding it.
Rafael Grossi appealed to Israel and Iran to choose diplomacy. « Despite the current military actions and increased tensions, it is clear that the only viable way forward is the one based on dialogue and diplomacy. This will ensure peace, stability and cooperation, « he said.
