Fact Check: "The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that the above-ground part of the Natanz nuclear plant was destroyed but noted no apparent damage to its underground chambers."
What We Know
The claim revolves around the recent Israeli airstrikes on Iran's Natanz nuclear facility. According to Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the above-ground pilot enrichment plant at Natanz was indeed destroyed during these strikes. Grossi reported to the U.N. Security Council that the attack resulted in significant damage to the facility, including the destruction of electrical infrastructure and emergency power generators, as well as the section where uranium was enriched (source-3, source-4).
However, Grossi also stated that the underground chambers, which house centrifuges, were not directly struck, although he noted that damage to the power supply might have affected the centrifuges housed there (source-2, source-4). This indicates that while the above-ground structures were destroyed, the underground facilities remained intact, albeit potentially compromised due to power supply issues.
Analysis
The evidence presented by Grossi and corroborated by multiple sources indicates a clear distinction between the damage inflicted on the above-ground and underground components of the Natanz facility. The Reuters report confirms the destruction of the above-ground enrichment plant, while also noting that the underground sections were not struck directly. This aligns with the information from the New York Times, which reported Grossi's statements regarding the damage (source-3).
However, the reliability of the sources must be considered. The IAEA is a credible international body, and Grossi's statements are based on assessments made in the context of ongoing military actions. The reports from various news outlets, including the New York Times and Reuters, are generally regarded as reliable, though they may reflect the urgency and chaos of the situation, which can sometimes lead to discrepancies in reporting.
It is important to note that while the claim is mostly accurate, the nuance regarding the potential impact on the underground chambers due to power supply issues adds complexity. The underground facilities were not destroyed but may still be affected indirectly.
Conclusion
The claim that the IAEA confirmed the destruction of the above-ground part of the Natanz nuclear plant while noting no apparent damage to its underground chambers is Partially True. The above-ground structures were indeed destroyed, as confirmed by the IAEA. However, the underground chambers were not directly damaged, although there may be indirect effects due to compromised power supply. This distinction is crucial for understanding the full context of the situation.
Sources
- Iran's above-ground enrichment plant at Natanz destroyed, IAEA chief ... Reuters
- Damage to Iranian nuclear sites so far appears limited, ... Reuters
- Live Updates: Iranian Missiles Hit Tel Aviv After Israeli Strikes on ... New York Times
- Live updates: Iran hits Israel with a second wave of missiles AP News
- Trucks | International® International
- INTERNATIONAL Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster Merriam-Webster
- Israel claims it damaged Iran's Natanz nuclear facility ... Bulletin
- IDF says it partly destroyed Natanz nuclear facility, Iran says no jump ... Times of Israel
