The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has confirmed that three of Iran’s major nuclear sites have not been affected by recent Israeli airstrikes, according to information provided by Iranian officials.
The Fordow, Isfahan, and Bushehr facilities remain intact, the UN nuclear watchdog reported. IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi has been in direct contact with Iranian authorities regarding the status of these sites.
However, the Natanz nuclear facility — Iran’s largest — was confirmed to have sustained damage. Satellite images and on-ground footage captured plumes of smoke rising above the site following the attack. Despite this, the IAEA noted that no increase in radiation levels has been detected at the location.
Both Fordow and Natanz are underground installations. Fordow is located approximately 20 miles northeast of Qom, while Natanz lies about 150 miles south of Tehran.
Iran has heavily fortified these sites over the years, using reinforced concrete and advanced structural designs to guard against potential military strikes. According to defense experts, some of the underground facilities include tunnel networks with sharp, 90-degree turns, designed to limit damage from direct attacks.