Iran Nuclear Facility at Natanz Targeted in Alleged US-Israeli Strike
Tehran – Iran has accused the United States and Israel of conducting a military operation on Sunday, March 1, 2026, targeting its key nuclear facility at Natanz. The alleged strike has escalated tensions surrounding Iran’s nuclear program, though the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has reported no evidence of damage as of Monday, March 2, 2026.
Allegations of Attack
Reza Najafi, Iran’s ambassador to the IAEA, made the claim during a meeting of the agency’s 35-nation Board of Governors in Vienna. He stated, “Again they attacked Iran’s peaceful and protected nuclear facilities yesterday,” according to the Associated Press. When pressed for specifics, Najafi identified the Natanz enrichment facility as the target.
Natanz Facility: A Key Site
The Natanz facility, located approximately 220 kilometers (135 miles) south of Tehran, is Iran’s largest uranium enrichment complex. As reported by Times Now News, it houses both above- and below-ground laboratories and was used to enrich uranium up to 60% purity – a level close to the 90% required for weapons-grade material.
IAEA Assessment and Concerns
Despite Iran’s claims, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi stated that, “up to now,” the agency has “no indication” that any Iranian nuclear facilities have been hit. The Associated Press reported that Grossi also expressed concern over the possibility of a radiological release, which could necessitate evacuations of large areas.
Previous Attacks on Natanz
This is not the first time the Natanz facility has been targeted. In June of the previous year, Natanz was one of three Iranian nuclear facilities struck during a 12-day period, allegedly by US and Israeli bombing raids. Times Now News noted that the previous attack reportedly damaged ground-level parts of the Pilot Fuel Enrichment Plant and disrupted underground operational systems.
Iran’s Response
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that Tehran intends to rebuild its nuclear infrastructure, asserting, “Destroying buildings and factories will not create a problem for us, we will rebuild and with greater strength.” According to Times Now News, Pezeshkian also emphasized that Iran’s nuclear activities are for peaceful purposes, such as disease treatment and healthcare.
Ongoing Monitoring
The IAEA continues to monitor the situation closely, and further assessments are expected to determine the extent of any potential damage and the overall impact on Iran’s nuclear program. Onmanorama reported that as of March 2, 2026, no evidence of damage had been detected at Iranian nuclear sites.