Fact Check: IAEA chief Rafael Grossi reported on June 16, 2025, that the centrifuges at Natanz very likely sustained significant damage due to a strike on the plant's power supply.

Fact Check: "IAEA chief Rafael Grossi reported on June 16, 2025, that the centrifuges at Natanz very likely sustained significant damage due to a strike on the plant's power supply."

What We Know

On June 16, 2025, Rafael Grossi, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), stated that the centrifuges at Iran's Natanz enrichment facility were "very likely" damaged due to an Israeli strike that affected the plant's power supply. Reports indicate that the strike resulted in significant damage to the facility, with Grossi estimating that nearly all of the approximately 15,000 centrifuges operating at Natanz were likely impacted by the attack (Reuters, JNS). However, Grossi also noted that there had been no additional damage reported at the site since the attack (Jerusalem Post, IAEA).

Analysis

The claim that Grossi reported significant damage to the centrifuges is supported by multiple sources. For instance, Grossi's statements were covered by reputable news outlets such as Reuters and Haaretz, both of which confirm that he indicated the centrifuges were likely damaged due to the strike. However, the context of his statements is crucial. While Grossi did mention the potential for damage, he also clarified that the actual structure housing the centrifuges was not directly hit, which suggests that while there may have been operational impacts, the extent of physical destruction might not be as severe as implied by the claim (Jerusalem Post, IAEA).

The reliability of the sources reporting on Grossi's statements is generally high, as they are established news organizations with a track record of covering international affairs accurately. However, it is important to note that interpretations of Grossi's statements can vary, and some outlets may emphasize different aspects of his comments. For example, while some reports focus on the likelihood of damage, others highlight the lack of direct hits on the centrifuge structures themselves (Haaretz).

Conclusion

The claim that "IAEA chief Rafael Grossi reported on June 16, 2025, that the centrifuges at Natanz very likely sustained significant damage due to a strike on the plant's power supply" is False. Although Grossi did indicate that the centrifuges were likely damaged, he also clarified that the main structure of the plant was not directly struck, which complicates the assertion of "significant damage." Therefore, the claim does not accurately reflect the nuances of Grossi's statements and the situation at the Natanz facility.

Sources

1. Israeli strike directly hit Iran's Natanz underground ...
2. Likely all machines at Iran's main enrichment plant ...
3. IDF failed to fully destroy Iran's nuclear site in Natanz - IAEA chief ...
4. International Atomic Energy Agency | Atoms for Peace and …
5. IAEA: Nearly all 15,000 Natanz centrifuges likely destroyed
6. IAEA Director General's Introductory Statement to the Board of ...
7. Overview | IAEA - International Atomic Energy Agency
8. IAEA chief outlines estimated damage to Iranian nuclear sites from ...