No radiation leak detected after Israeli strike on Iran's Natanz nuclear facility: report

Iranian state television reported Friday that no signs of a radiation leak have been detected following Israel’s airstrike on the Natanz nuclear facility, which is one of Iran’s most sensitive uranium enrichment sites.

The statement came after Iran’s official IRNA news agency confirmed an explosion had rocked the facility in the early hours of the morning.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), a Vienna-based United Nations watchdog, confirmed that the Natanz site was among those targeted by Israel.

“The IAEA is closely monitoring the deeply concerning situation in Iran,” said Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of the IAEA. 

“The agency is in contact with Iranian authorities regarding radiation levels. We are also in contact with our inspectors in the country.”

Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization acknowledged damage to the Natanz facility but stated there had been no radioactive or chemical leakage and no casualties. The facility is located in Isfahan Province in central Iran and is a critical hub of Iran’s uranium enrichment program.

Despite Iranian assurances, unnamed Israeli security sources told regional media outlets that the Natanz facility was “destroyed” in the airstrike, a claim Tehran has neither confirmed nor denied in full.

Andrea Stricker, deputy director of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies’ nonproliferation and biodefense program, highlighted the strategic importance of the Natanz site. 

“Natanz has two enrichment facilities, vast amounts of centrifuges, and enriched uranium stockpiles, including highly enriched uranium,” she said, underlining the potential consequences of any breach or destruction at the site.