Fact Check: The IAEA stated that its initial assessment indicated that the above-ground pilot enrichment plant at Natanz was destroyed, but the larger underground plant was not directly hit.

Fact Check: "The IAEA stated that its initial assessment indicated that the above-ground pilot enrichment plant at Natanz was destroyed, but the larger underground plant was not directly hit."

What We Know

The claim revolves around the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) assessments of damage to Iran's Natanz nuclear facility following an Israeli airstrike. Initial reports from the IAEA confirmed that the above-ground pilot enrichment plant at Natanz was destroyed, but they initially indicated that the underground enrichment plant had not sustained direct hits, only indirect damage (source-1). However, subsequent analysis of high-resolution satellite imagery led the IAEA to revise its assessment, confirming that the underground enrichment halls also sustained direct impacts (source-1, source-5).

Analysis

The initial assessment by the IAEA suggested that while the above-ground facility was destroyed, the underground plant was not directly hit. This assessment was based on early satellite imagery and information available at that time (source-1). However, the IAEA later confirmed that further analysis revealed direct impacts on the underground enrichment halls, contradicting the earlier statement (source-1, source-5).

The reliability of the IAEA as a source is generally high, as it is an established international organization responsible for monitoring nuclear facilities and ensuring compliance with nuclear non-proliferation agreements (source-3). However, the evolving nature of the situation, with new evidence emerging from satellite imagery, highlights the complexities and challenges in accurately assessing damage in real-time.

Conclusion

The claim that the IAEA stated its initial assessment indicated that the above-ground pilot enrichment plant at Natanz was destroyed, but the larger underground plant was not directly hit is False. The IAEA's initial assessment was revised to confirm that the underground facility also sustained direct impacts, contradicting the original claim.

Sources

1. Israeli strike directly hit Iran's Natanz underground enrichment plant, IAEA says
2. Likely all machines at Iran's main enrichment plant 'destroyed'
3. International Atomic Energy Agency | Atoms for Peace and …
4. Overview | IAEA - International Atomic Energy Agency
5. Israeli strike directly hit underground Natanz enrichment plant, IAEA confirms