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In a significant escalation of hostilities, Israeli fighter jets bombed the Arak heavy water reactor under construction in central Iran on Thursday, marking a dangerous new phase in the conflict between the two nations.
The Israeli military claimed it targeted the core of the facility to halt Iran’s alleged pursuit of nuclear weapons. The Arak reactor, located about 250km southwest of Tehran, was initially designed to produce plutonium, a key ingredient in nuclear warheads.
While Iran agreed to redesign the facility under the 2015 nuclear deal to ensure it could not generate weapons-grade plutonium, Israel accused Tehran of stalling those modifications to maintain the potential for nuclear weapon development.
“The strike targeted the component intended for plutonium production, in order to prevent the reactor from being restored and used for nuclear weapons development,” the Israeli military said in a statement. It added that Iran’s leadership had intentionally delayed conversion efforts to apply pressure on Western negotiators.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that the reactor had been struck but stated it contained no nuclear material. The agency’s May report had noted ongoing civil construction and anticipated the facility would be operational by 2026.
After the attack, IAEA inspectors assessed that significant damage had occurred, including to the reactor building’s roof and key structures in the adjacent heavy water production plant.
Iranian state television broadcast footage showing thick plumes of smoke rising from the site and reported that the facility had been “secured in advance,” claiming no radiation leak had occurred. Satellite imagery has since revealed a large hole in the roof of the reactor building and damage to nearby distillation towers.
Thursday’s strike on Arak came amid a broader wave of Israeli air raids targeting Iranian nuclear and military infrastructure. Israel also confirmed it had struck a “nuclear weapons development site” at Natanz, Iran’s main uranium enrichment facility.
The IAEA reported the destruction of Natanz’s above-ground Pilot Fuel Enrichment Plant and likely severe damage to underground centrifuges following a loss of power.
The Isfahan Nuclear Technology Centre also suffered destruction in four buildings, according to IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi. However, the Fordo underground enrichment facility—deemed virtually impenetrable—remains largely intact.
US sources told CBS News that former President Donald Trump, currently advising the US administration, is pressing for a joint strike on Fordo, believing only American munitions can neutralize the site.
The Israeli government justified its actions by citing the rapid pace of Iran’s nuclear programme. “If not stopped, Iran could produce a nuclear weapon in a very short time,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned, though he offered no evidence. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the strikes as a breach of international law, reiterating Iran’s stance that nuclear weapons are religiously and politically prohibited.
The ongoing air strikes and retaliatory missile attacks have led to rising civilian casualties. Iran’s health ministry reported at least 224 deaths, while rights groups suggest the true toll may exceed 600. In Israel, missile attacks from Iran have killed at least 24 people.
As strikes and counterstrikes continue, international observers warn that the confrontation could spiral further, risking regional and global security.