Iranian State Media Reports US-Israel Attack on Natanz Nuclear Facility
According to reports from Iranian state media, the United States and Israel launched a strike on Iran's key uranium-enrichment facility in Natanz early Saturday morning. The Tasnim news agency stated that the attack targeted the Natanz Nuclear Facility, one of Iran's most significant nuclear sites, but no radioactive leaks were detected following the incident. Residents living near the facility were reportedly not at risk, as authorities confirmed the absence of any radiation hazards.
Escalating Tensions and Historical Context
The Natanz facility has been repeatedly targeted amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. It was a primary target during the June 2025 Israel-Iran 12-day war, when Israeli forces conducted a series of strikes on Iranian military and nuclear infrastructure. The United States later joined that conflict in support of Israel, as reported by the news agency. This latest strike occurs as hostilities between the two sides continue, with both countries carrying out attacks on strategic infrastructure and military facilities.
International Responses and Denials
In response to the reports, CNN noted that the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) stated they were not "familiar with any IDF attack on that facility." This marks the second time the facility has come under attack since the US-Israeli war with Iran began, according to CNN. Meanwhile, CBS News reported on Friday, citing sources briefed on discussions, that the Trump administration has been strategizing ways to extract Iran's nuclear material. While the timing of any such operation remains unclear, sources indicated that US President Trump has yet to make a decision, but plans have centered around the possible deployment of forces from the secretive Joint Special Operations Command.
Nuclear Material Concerns and Past Operations
CBS News further reported that as of last summer, Iran had amassed about 972 pounds of 60%-enriched uranium, which is a short step away from weapons-grade material, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency. Much of that uranium remains buried underneath nuclear sites that were bombed by the US last year as part of Operation Midnight Hammer. US officials have stated that the Trump administration has not ruled out plans to retrieve Iranian stockpiles, with White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirming earlier this week that "it's an option on the table for him."
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