Breaking: Iran's Heavy Water Reactor in Arak Under Attack by Israel; Air Defense Activated in Tehran
Israel launches airstrikes on Iran's heavy water nuclear facility
Update: Israel continues its relentless assault on Iranian targets, with the latest incident occurring near the research reactor in Chondab. Citizens are advised to seek shelter. Reports suggest Israel also aims to strike the Natans nuclear facility.
In the small hours, the Israeli army launched a marauding air attack on Iran, targeting several military sites. The Israeli military channel announced the attack on a heavy water reactor near Arak, which is just southwest of Tehran, following a warning from their military spokesperson. The Israeli army urged everyone in Arak and Chandab to take immediate shelter.
Israel accuses Iran of pursuing nuclear weapons capabilities and sees the Islamic Republic as a grave threat to its very existence. Iran, on the other hand, has repeatedly denied these allegations.
The Iranian Atomic Energy Organization confirmed an attack on a research reactor and a heavy water complex via the government-affiliated website "Iran Nuances," assuring no casualties and no immediate danger to the local population. The incident was reported to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Heavy water acts as a coolant in nuclear reactors and produces plutonium as a byproduct, which could potentially be used for nuclear weapons.
Israeli Army Declares "Defunct Nuclear Reactor"
The Israeli army has admitted to the Arak attack but dubs the reactor as "defunct." In this nocturnal assault, approximately 40 combat jets bombarded "dozens of military targets" in Iran, employing more than 100 precision-guided munitions. The army emphasized that these centers were the driving force behind Iran's weapons program and posed a severe threat to Israeli civilians. They also declared their intention to continue targeting Iranian assets to safeguard their citizens.
The attack on the component for plutonium production in the Arak reactor aimed to thwart its restoration and any future use for weapons development. While the reactor was initially intended for the production of weapons-grade plutonium, Iran began converting it to produce low-enriched plutonium in recent years, as per the Israeli army statement. Multiple production facilities for military goods, air defense positions, and storage facilities for ground-to-ground missiles were also targeted. Unfortunately, independent verification of these claims was not possible.
During the night, Iran’s air defense was also activated in Tehran due to Israeli strikes. According to the semi-official news agency SNN, drones were intercepted on the outskirts of Tehran, and 18 suspected agents were apprehended. They are accused of constructing drones for Israel in the city of Mashhad, northeastern Iran.
Sources:
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- Iran
- Israel
- Wars and Conflicts
Additional Insights:
- The attack on the Iranian nuclear facility in Arak significantly altered its status, following Israeli Defense Force (IDF) warnings and strikes on June 18 and 19, 2025[1][2].
- Satellite imagery analysis confirms structural damage to the reactor[1].
- The IAEA has verified that no nuclear material was present at the facility at the time of the attack, minimizing the risk of radioactive contamination[1][2].
- Concerns persist that Iran could sustain the reactor's design and infrastructure for potential future weaponization[2].
[1] IAEA Verification of Strike on Arak Heavy Water Reactor: https://www.iaea.org/newscenter/pressreleases/update-iaea-statement-on-the-agreement-on-the-ŽIranian-nuclear-programmeÜ
[2] IDF Claims Severe Damage to Iranian Nuclear Facilities:
[3] Iranian Restrictions on IAEA Access: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/iaea-blasts-irans-cuts-nuclear-inspection-agency-2021-08-05/
- The escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, highlighted by the attack on the heavy water reactor in Arak, has introduced a new dimension to the political landscape in Europe, as global powers discuss potential consequences and de-escalation strategies.
- The environmental implications of the ongoing war-and-conflicts in the Middle East, such as the attack on the Arak reactor in Iran, are significant, as these activities could potentially lead to nuclear contamination, affecting general-news coverage and international cooperation for a cleaner environment.
