Israel destroyed above-ground enrichment facility at Natanz site: UN nuclear chief

The head of the UN nuclear watchdog, Rafael Grossi, confirmed to the United Nations Security Council on Friday that Israel’s recent airstrikes have destroyed Iran’s above-ground pilot enrichment facility at the Natanz nuclear site.

Grossi also reported attacks on Iran’s Fordow fuel enrichment plant and a facility in Isfahan, though the extent of damage at those sites remains unclear.

The Natanz site had been enriching uranium up to 60 per cent purity, just below weapons-grade. Although this facility is now offline, Grossi noted that the more fortified Fordow site remains a significant concern due to its production capacity and deep underground location, making it harder to destroy militarily.

Grossi added that electrical infrastructure at Natanz was destroyed, likely damaging centrifuges, but there has been no abnormal radiation detected outside the facility.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who requested the emergency Security Council session, condemned Israel’s actions, calling them violations of international law and acts of war. He reaffirmed Iran’s right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter and said Iran would respond “decisively and proportionately.”

On Friday evening, Iran launched retaliatory strikes against Israel. Meanwhile, Israel’s UN Ambassador Danny Danon defended the offensive, stating it aimed to eliminate Iran’s nuclear and missile threats. “We will continue until those threats are neutralized,” Danon said, calling on the Security Council to recognize Israel’s security concerns.

Tensions remain high as both nations exchange military actions and accusations before the international community.