Israel intensified its offensive against the Iranian nuclear program on Thursday (19), with air attacks against facilities considered critical for the development of nuclear weapons. According to Israel’s defense forces (IDF), the operation had as its targets a uranium enrichment center in Natanz and the heavy water reactor of Arak.
IDF stated that the Natanz attack has reached “unique components and equipment used in the development of nuclear weapons”. Anterior satellite images already indicated severe damage in the complex, and the International Atomic Energy Agency (AIEA) said centrifuges in the underground plant “were probably destroyed.”
In Arak, the Israeli forces confirmed an attack on the “inactive” nuclear reactor, which, according to Israel, is designed to produce sufficient plutonium for military use. The declared objective of bombing was to prevent any attempt to reactivate the installation.
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These attacks are part of Operation Rising Lion, launched by Israel a week ago, focusing on Iran’s military and nuclear facilities. In addition to Natanz and Arak, centrifugal assembly workshops and laboratories were bombarded near Tehran.
The Israeli government accuses Iran of seeking the militarization of its atomic program. The country claims that the targets attacked are home to projects that aim to accelerate the development of nuclear warheads.
Iran, in turn, reiterates that its program has peaceful purposes and states that attacks violate international law. In a statement, Iranian authorities said they intend to take the case to the UN Security Council.
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Climbing of the conflict
The bombings occur the same day as in Beersheba and leaving dozens of injuries. After the offensive, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, .3
(with Reuters and BBC)
