Iranian media reported on Thursday that Israel carried out airstrikes near the Khondab heavy-water research facility, a sensitive part of Iran’s nuclear program. The Iranian Student News Agency (ISNA) said the targeted area lies close to the nuclear site, previously known as the Arak reactor.
Officials confirmed that the site had been evacuated ahead of the attack. “There is no danger of radiation leakage,” the report added, citing initial assessments from Iranian authorities. Though the facility itself was not directly hit, the strike comes amid heightened regional tensions between Tehran and Tel Aviv.
The Khondab site, renamed from its earlier Arak designation, is significant in Iran’s nuclear development. Tehran recently informed the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that it plans to bring the reactor into operation by next year. This facility is central to Iran’s civilian nuclear program, though Western nations have long expressed concern about its potential dual-use capabilities.
Strike Adds to Escalating Regional Tensions
The reported strike marks another flashpoint in the ongoing shadow war between Israel and Iran. While Israel has not issued an official statement confirming or denying its involvement, it has repeatedly targeted Iranian-linked sites across the region in recent years, particularly in Syria and Iraq, citing threats to its security.
Iranian officials have not yet clarified the exact scale of the damage, but local sources say explosions were heard near the nuclear complex late Wednesday night. Rescue and security teams were dispatched to secure the area, though no casualties were reported.
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This strike comes shortly after increased warnings from Israel over Iran’s alleged military advances and nuclear capabilities. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly warned that Iran is accelerating its uranium enrichment programs and poses an existential threat to Israel. On the other hand, Tehran maintains its nuclear ambitions are peaceful and compliant with international obligations.
International Reactions and IAEA Monitoring
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has not issued a formal comment on the incident but has maintained close surveillance of Iranian nuclear activities. In a recent statement, the agency noted that Iran informed them about plans to bring the Khondab reactor online in 2026, with partial infrastructure already completed.
Global reactions to the news have been cautious. The European Union has urged restraint on both sides, warning that any attack on nuclear infrastructure—regardless of motive—carries risks of regional destabilization. Meanwhile, the United States has called for verification of facts before making further comment but reiterated its commitment to preventing nuclear proliferation in the Middle East.
Iran’s state media framed the attack as “a provocation aimed at halting scientific progress,” while government officials vowed to respond “at a time and place of our choosing.”
As international observers monitor the situation, concerns grow that such attacks near nuclear facilities—no matter how controlled—could lead to miscalculations with global consequences.
