Tensions between Israel and Iran have reached a boiling point following a series of targeted strikes by Israel on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. The Israel attacks Iran narrative isn’t new, but this latest military operation has reignited fears of a broader regional conflict with global implications. Multiple Iranian nuclear facilities were in the crosshairs, some of which are central to the country’s nuclear ambitions. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the critical sites affected and what their roles are in Iran’s nuclear development.
Natanz: The Core of Iran’s Uranium Enrichment
One of the most significant targets in the latest Israel-Iran confrontation was the Natanz nuclear facility, located near the city of Qom. Often considered the heart of Iran’s uranium enrichment program, Natanz houses two main plants: the underground Fuel Enrichment Plant (FEP) and the above-ground Pilot Fuel Enrichment Plant (PFEP).
This site is equipped with tens of thousands of centrifuges, enabling it to produce enriched uranium at industrial levels. Currently, about 13,000 of the 16,000 installed centrifuges are operational, enriching uranium up to 5% purity. The site has previously suffered sabotage and explosions, reportedly linked to Israeli cyber and physical operations, and it remains a top concern for international watchdogs like the IAEA.
Bushehr: Iran’s Operational Nuclear Power Plant
Bushehr, located along the Gulf coast, is Iran’s only functioning nuclear power plant. Built with Russian assistance, it operates on Russian-supplied fuel with agreements ensuring spent fuel is returned to Russia—a safeguard meant to prevent weaponization.
Despite its strategic importance, the IAEA confirmed that Bushehr remained untouched in the recent Israeli airstrikes. Nonetheless, its symbolic and operational value keeps it firmly under global scrutiny.
Fordow: A Secret Site Resurrected
Built into a mountain near Qom, Fordow is one of the most secure nuclear sites in Iran. It remained secret until 2009 and was once shut down under the 2015 nuclear deal. However, enrichment activities resumed after the U.S. exited the agreement in 2018.
Currently, Fordow houses around 2,000 centrifuges, with approximately 350 enriching uranium up to 60% purity—a dangerously close step to weapons-grade material. While this facility wasn’t physically damaged in the latest strikes, its continued operation raises serious non-proliferation alarms.
Isfahan: Nuclear Material Conversion and Storage Hub
The central Iranian city of Isfahan plays a vital role in Iran’s nuclear fuel cycle. It houses the Uranium Conversion Facility (UCF) and the Fuel Plate Fabrication Plant (FPFP). These plants convert raw uranium into uranium hexafluoride gas, which is used for enrichment.
Isfahan also stores significant amounts of enriched uranium and can manufacture centrifuge components. Although spared from the Israeli assault, the IAEA has flagged this site multiple times for concerns related to the production of proliferation-sensitive materials.
Khondab: The Rebranded Arak Reactor
Formerly known as Arak, the Khondab reactor is a heavy-water facility with the potential to produce weapons-grade plutonium. Though construction was halted under the 2015 agreement, and the reactor core was dismantled, Khondab was one of the sites targeted in the latest strikes according to Iranian sources.
This reactor is critical because, if reactivated, it could give Iran an alternate path to a nuclear weapon—via plutonium rather than enriched uranium.
Tehran Research Centre: Brain of Nuclear Innovation
While less provocative than enrichment sites, the Tehran Research Centre contributes significantly to Iran’s nuclear capabilities. Home to research reactors and laboratories, it supports civilian nuclear energy research and helps train nuclear scientists.
Although not directly involved in producing nuclear weapons materials, this centre is an essential part of the broader infrastructure and strategy behind Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
What This Means for Regional Stability
The Israel attacks Iran incident marks a dangerous escalation in an already volatile region. While not all nuclear facilities were hit or damaged, the message from Israel is clear: it will not tolerate Iran advancing unchecked in its nuclear pursuits. Global actors are now calling for restraint and renewed diplomacy before this confrontation spirals into a larger conflict.