Fact Check: "The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported on June 17, 2025, that an Israeli military strike directly hit the underground uranium enrichment plant at Natanz, Iran."
What We Know
On June 17, 2025, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that Israeli airstrikes had directly impacted the underground uranium enrichment facility at Natanz, Iran. The IAEA stated that satellite imagery indicated "direct impacts on the underground enrichment halls" of the facility, which is located approximately 135 miles southeast of Tehran (Reuters, AP News). This marked the first acknowledgment from the IAEA that the strikes had affected the underground sections of the Natanz facility, which is crucial for Iran's uranium enrichment program.
The Natanz facility is fortified with anti-aircraft defenses and is a key site for Iran's nuclear ambitions, housing thousands of centrifuges used for uranium enrichment (AP News, CNN). The IAEA had previously reported damage to above-ground structures but had not confirmed impacts on the underground sections until this statement.
Analysis
The claim that the IAEA reported on June 17, 2025, that an Israeli military strike directly hit the underground uranium enrichment plant at Natanz is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The IAEA's report is a primary source of information, and its credibility is bolstered by its status as the United Nations' nuclear watchdog responsible for monitoring nuclear facilities and ensuring compliance with international agreements.
The report's timing and content align with the ongoing military actions between Israel and Iran, which have escalated significantly in June 2025. The IAEA's acknowledgment of damage to the underground facility is critical, as it indicates a significant development in the conflict and raises concerns about Iran's nuclear capabilities (Reuters, The Hill).
While some sources, such as CNN, noted that the IAEA had previously reported no additional damage after earlier strikes, the June 17 report specifically addressed the impacts of the latest Israeli airstrikes (CNN). This distinction is important as it highlights the evolving nature of the situation and the IAEA's role in providing updated assessments.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that the IAEA reported on June 17, 2025, that an Israeli military strike directly hit the underground uranium enrichment plant at Natanz is accurate. The IAEA's confirmation of damage to the underground facility represents a significant development in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, and the information comes from a reliable source.
Sources
- Israeli strike directly hit Iran's Natanz underground enrichment plant, IAEA says
- Israeli strikes damage Iran's underground nuclear site
- Live Updates: Israel, Expanding Targets, Strikes Iranian State TV
- Israeli Strike Directly Hit Iran's Natanz Underground Enrichment Plant
- Israel says Iran was racing toward a bomb. US says it was years away
- UN atomic watchdog: Israel's strikes on Iran had 'direct impacts' on
- IAEA warns Israel-Iran conflict threatens nuclear facilities, diplomacy
- Iran vows further 'massive attacks' after strikes on Israel
