UN nuclear watchdog sees ‘no change’ at Iran’s Esfahan and Fordow nuclear facilities

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on Tuesday claimed to have identified additional damage as a result of Israeli aerial attacks on Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility.

“Based on continued analysis of high resolution satellite imagery collected after Friday’s attacks, the IAEA has identified additional elements that indicate direct impacts on the underground enrichment halls at Natanz,” the agency stated in a post on X.

This marks the first official assessment by the nuclear watchdog confirming damage to the subterranean sections of Natanz, which is considered Iran’s primary uranium enrichment site.

“No change to report at Esfahan and Fordow,” the IAEA added, noting that satellite imagery shows no visible impact at those locations.

The agency’s update comes amid intensifying hostilities in the region. Tensions surged on Friday after Israel carried out a series of coordinated airstrikes targeting Iranian military and nuclear infrastructure. In response, Iran launched missile attacks against Israeli territory.

According to Israeli officials, the Iranian strikes have resulted in the deaths of at least 24 people and injured hundreds more. Iranian authorities, meanwhile, claim that the Israeli assault has killed at least 224 individuals and wounded over 1,000.

The back-and-forth attacks have drawn global concern, especially over potential impacts on sensitive nuclear sites and the growing risk of a wider regional conflict.