The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has confirmed that Israeli strikes on June 13, 2025, on a nuclear complex in the Iranian city of Isfahan destroyed two critical facilities: a uranium processing plant and a facility producing fuel plates for nuclear reactors. This was announced by IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi at a meeting of the UN Security Council, citing information provided by Iranian authorities. The strikes were part of a large-scale Israeli military operation called Rising Lion, aimed at curbing Iran's nuclear program, which Tel Aviv claims is close to creating nuclear weapons.

According to the IAEA, four key buildings in Isfahan were damaged, including infrastructure for uranium conversion and the production of fuel plates needed to operate nuclear reactors. The agency emphasized that despite the destruction, radiation levels outside the facility remained normal, which eliminates the risk of radioactive substances spreading into the environment. However, localized contamination was recorded inside the complex, which Iranian authorities intend to deal with in the near future. Grossi noted that the IAEA continues to work closely with Tehran to assess the consequences and ensure the safety of the remaining nuclear facilities.

The Israeli army (IDF) said the operation involved about 200 fighter jets that struck more than 100 targets in Iran, including military bases and research centers. The IDF statement emphasized that the attack aimed to destroy infrastructure related to the processing of enriched uranium, as well as to eliminate key specialists involved in the nuclear program. According to the Israeli military, nine nuclear scientists with unique knowledge in the field of creating nuclear weapons were killed in the operation. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the strikes caused “significant damage” to Tehran’s nuclear ambitions, which could delay the development of the program for several years.

Iran, for its part, has sharply condemned Israel’s actions, calling them an “act of war.” Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei said Tehran would not let the strikes go unanswered, and the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) accused the IAEA of losing its credibility by failing to prevent the attack. Iranian officials said that in addition to Isfahan, the Natanz nuclear facility was hit, destroying the above-ground portion of a plant that enriches uranium to 60 percent. According to the AEOI, the main underground facilities at Natanz remained intact, allowing Iran to continue its nuclear development, albeit with delays.