Missile Strike Hits Iran’s Natanz Nuclear Site: AEO Confirms

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

Photo: AP

A spokesperson from Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization (AEO) said on Friday that a missile attack by Israel caused some nuclear contamination at the Natanz facility. Natanz is Iran’s biggest nuclear site, located in the central part of the country, in Isfahan.

The spokesperson, Behrouz Kamalvandi, spoke to Iran’s state TV. He said that Israel launched missiles at the Natanz facility several times, trying to damage areas deep underground.

“Some nuclear contamination was found inside the facility,” Kamalvandi said. “But the good news is that this contamination did not spread outside the building.” He also said there is no serious danger from the contamination inside.

The chief of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, also spoke about the situation. In a message posted on X (formerly Twitter), he said that the radiation levels outside the Natanz facility stayed the same.

He explained that the kind of contamination found—mostly alpha particles—can be handled safely with the right protection.

The attack on Friday created worldwide concern. Israel carried out a large and intense air attack on Iran, hitting more than 100 locations. These included nuclear centers, missile production sites, and military bases.

During these strikes, six nuclear scientists were killed, along with the head of Iran’s armed forces and two senior commanders from Iran’s Revolutionary Guard.