Tehran reported that Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility was attacked on Saturday in a strike attributed to the United States and Israel. The Islamic Republic’s Atomic Energy Organisation said in a statement, carried by Tasnim news agency, that the Natanz enrichment complex had been targeted, but no leakage of radioactive material had been reported. The strike comes amid rising tensions over Iran’s nuclear program and global concerns about its enriched uranium stockpiles.
Details of the Attack
According to the statement, the attack was described as a “criminal” action by foreign powers. While details on the method of the strike remain limited, CBS News had reported days earlier that the Trump administration had been exploring ways to seize Iran’s nuclear material. Officials indicated that deploying the Joint Special Operations Command a special US military unit handling sensitive counter-proliferation missions was among the considered options.
US Officials On Nuclear Material Seizure
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that taking Iranian uranium stockpiles remained “an option on the table” for President Trump. However, she stressed that no final decision had been made at that time. Sources familiar with the internal discussions noted the urgency was due to the large quantities of highly enriched uranium Iran had accumulated.
Iran’s Uranium Stockpile
As of last summer, Iran had amassed roughly 972 pounds of uranium enriched to 60%, a step below weapons-grade levels. This makes Iran the only non-nuclear-weapon state to enrich uranium to such a high level, raising international concern. Handling this material is technically challenging because uranium hexafluoride gas is highly corrosive and dangerous, making any military extraction extremely difficult.
International Concerns
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) highlighted the risks involved, noting that while seizing the uranium was possible, it would require “incredible military capabilities.” Director-General Rafael Grossi emphasized the extreme difficulty of safely handling uranium enriched to this level without causing a major nuclear accident.
Rising Tensions in the Region
This strike marks a significant escalation in US-Iran-Israel tensions. The attack on Natanz underscores the international pressure surrounding Iran’s nuclear program, as well as the increasing risks of military action in the region. Officials from all sides continue to monitor the situation closely, balancing strategic objectives with safety concerns.
