Israel Iran nuclear plant attacks on June 19 destroyed critical heavy water nuclear facilities in Iran’s central Markazi Province. Satellite imagery on June 18 and June 19 reveals evident structural damage at Arak and Khondab. Israeli air strikes were reported near both cities, where Iran’s heavy water sites were targeted.
The strike targeted a half-built research reactor at Khondab. Iran’s state media reported the strikes. But neither Iran nor Israel commented officially on damage or casualties. Iran asserted the facility was evacuated prior to the attack. Officials also discounted any radiation threat.
Satellite Imagery Verifies Destruction
Two satellite photos indicate the scope of the destruction. The June 18th snapshot depicts the plant standing. The photo the next day depicts obvious damage. Israeli military spokesmen verified that they hit a heavy water facility close to Iran’s central city.
The site corresponds with Arak and Khondab in Markazi Province. These facilities feature a heavy water reactor that can produce plutonium, an element found in atomic bombs.
Iran Confirms Attacks
Iran’s ISNA news agency said Israeli attacks hit some of the surrounding areas of the Khondab facility. Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization said that no casualties were caused by the attacks. The authorities had evacuated the facility beforehand, according to their report. They also confirmed to the public that there is no danger of radiation or nuclear leakage.
The Israeli army has not made an official declaration identifying Arak or Khondab. Yet, it verified that the target was located close to a major Iranian city. The Israeli army advised people living in Arak and Khondab to leave the area before the strikes. The decision indicates that Israel expected to make direct hits on strategic infrastructure.
Strategic Importance Of The Targets
Heavy water reactors such as Arak and Khondab can create plutonium. That places them at the center of any nuclear weapons program. The reconstructed reactor in Khondab is still incomplete. But its elimination indicates Israel’s will to cut off Iran’s nuclear ambitions at any point.
The assault marks the escalation of the air conflict between Iran and Israel. As each side reciprocates attacks, tensions in the region increase, and diplomatic options look further out of reach.