Israel Strikes Iran’s Nuclear Sites
On Friday, Israel conducted airstrikes targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities, focusing on sites involved in uranium processing and nuclear reactor operations, according to state media. Reports indicated that the strikes hit the Shahid Kondab heavy water plant near Arak and the Ardakan Yellowcake factory in Yazd. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries or radioactive contamination at these locations. The Arak facility had previously been attacked by Israeli forces last June and has not been operational since then.
Interestingly, a fire broke out at the Ardakan factory shortly after the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran shared a statement on its Telegram channel. Additionally, the Fars news agency confirmed that the Kondab site had been targeted, stating it was hit multiple times, as noted by a local official.
The Israeli military claimed responsibility for the strikes, stating they were aimed at a facility “in the heart of Tehran” where ballistic missiles are produced. They also alleged attacks on launch pads and storage sites located in western Iran. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) characterized these targets as missile production capabilities, remnants of the nuclear program, and sites linked to terrorist groups.
Defense Minister Israel Katz indicated that future operations could broaden in scope, emphasizing that ongoing actions in Iran would lead to an escalation involving more targets and regions supporting the production of weapons aimed at Israel.
In response, Seyyed Majid Mousavi, head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps Aerospace Force, warned individuals working with US or Israeli businesses to vacate their offices. He noted that the situation had shifted beyond simple retaliation.
This military activity initially began on February 28, when the Trump administration launched Operation Epic Fury to strike various sites in Iran. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump claimed that negotiations with the Iranian government were progressing and extended the deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to April 6, as they had requested more time. Washington has proposed a ceasefire framework requiring Iran to relinquish control of the waterway and plans to bolster its military presence in the region.
Previously, Israel had launched attacks on gas fields jointly owned by Qatar and Iran, which Trump acknowledged but stated the U.S. had no prior knowledge of.
