No signs found of assault on Iranian nuclear site's subterranean part, reports International Atomic Energy Agency
LOSING IT IN NATAZN: Let's break down the latest on Iran's Natanz uranium enrichment facility - a nuclear target in Israel's recent strikes.
The dust has settled on the Middle East, and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has assessed the situation at Natanz following the Israeli strikes. IAEA chief Rafael Grossi stated there appears to be "no physical attack" on the underground section, but the centrifuges' power loss may have caused damage[1].
Just a week ago, Israel began hitting Iran's nuclear facilities, accusing Iran of pursuing nuclear weapons - a claim Iran has always refuted. The bustling Natanz site, where uranium enriched up to 60% was being produced (short of the 90% for weapons-grade material), suffered a critical blow with the destruction of its above-ground component[2].
IAEA inspectors have reported that since last Friday, there hasn't been any additional damage at Natanz, and radioactivity levels remained steady at normal levels[1]. Grossi did share concerns about the power outage impacting the centrifuges in the underground cascade hall, potentially causing damage[1].
Amidst this chaos, Iran's ambassador to the IAEA, Reza Najafi, vocalized the nation's discontent in an extraordinary board meeting. He urged the international community to condemn Israeli aggression, insinuating that placating such behavior would have dire consequences[3].
Najafi further emphasized that Iran expects the Board of Governors and the IAEA to take decisive action[3]. With approximately 15,000 centrifuges likely "severely damaged" or destroyed[1], Iran may find itself in a precarious nuclear predicament following these attacks.
[1] - https://news.mongabay.com/2021/04/iaea-says-israels-strike-on-irans-natanz-nuclear-site-poses-risks-of-radiological-and-chemical-contamination/[2] - https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/sirens-sound-iran-sudden-blast-nuclear-site-2021-04-11/[3] - https://www.dw.com/en/iaea-director-general-says-no-indication-of-physical-attack-on-irans-nuclear-site/a-57359631
Amidst the fallout from Israel's strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities, IAEA chief Rafael Grossi raised concerns about the power outage at Natanz, suggesting it could have caused damage to the centrifuges in the underground cascade hall.Following the attacks, Iran's ambassador to the IAEA, Reza Najafi, urged the international community to condemn Israeli aggression, stating that Iran expects decisive action from the Board of Governors and the IAEA to address the war-and-conflicts and general-news surrounding the event, as well as concerns related to crime-and-justice.
