Fact Check: The main centrifuge facility underground did not appear to have been hit, but the loss of power could have damaged the infrastructure there.

Fact Check: "The main centrifuge facility underground did not appear to have been hit, but the loss of power could have damaged the infrastructure there."

What We Know

Recent military strikes by Israel on Iran's nuclear facilities have raised concerns about the damage inflicted on key infrastructure. Reports indicate that the main centrifuge facility at Natanz, which is located underground, did not sustain direct hits during these strikes. However, the loss of power to the facility has been cited as a potential factor that could have caused damage to the centrifuge infrastructure. According to the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Mariano Grossi, the electricity infrastructure at Natanz was destroyed, and the loss of power may have affected the centrifuges housed in the cascade hall (NPR, Reuters).

Satellite imagery from companies like Airbus has shown damage to above-ground structures, including an electrical substation and buildings associated with the centrifuge operations (NPR). While the underground facility itself appears intact, the disruption of power could lead to operational challenges and potential damage to the centrifuges (Business Standard, Yahoo News).

Analysis

The claim that the main underground centrifuge facility at Natanz was not directly hit is supported by multiple credible sources, including statements from the IAEA and satellite imagery analyses (Reuters, NPR). The assertion that the loss of power could have damaged the infrastructure is also corroborated by Grossi's comments and other expert analyses (Business Standard, PBS).

However, the reliability of the sources must be considered. The IAEA is a well-respected international body, and its assessments are generally regarded as credible. NPR and Reuters are established news organizations with a history of accurate reporting. The analysis from satellite imagery firms like Airbus adds an additional layer of verification, though the interpretation of that data can vary among experts.

While the claim is largely accurate, it is essential to note that the potential damage from the loss of power is somewhat speculative. Experts have indicated that while operations may be disrupted, the extent of damage to the centrifuges themselves is not definitively established (Yahoo News, Fortune). This nuance is crucial in evaluating the overall impact of the strikes on Iran's nuclear capabilities.

Conclusion

The claim that "the main centrifuge facility underground did not appear to have been hit, but the loss of power could have damaged the infrastructure there" is Partially True. While it is accurate that the underground facility was not directly struck, the implications of the loss of power on the centrifuge infrastructure remain uncertain and somewhat speculative. The available evidence supports the idea that while the facility itself may be intact, operational challenges due to power loss could pose significant issues.

Sources

1. Damage to Iranian nuclear sites so far appears limited, ...
2. Israel expands strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities
3. An Iranian nuclear facility is so deep underground that US ...
4. Above-ground part of Iran's main nuclear site destroyed
5. How Israeli strikes dealt a serious blow to Iran's nuclear ambitions
6. Israel hit by retaliatory strikes as UN says Iran enrichment ...
7. Live updates: Iran retaliates against Israel for strikes on ...
8. Israel destroyed above-ground portion of Iran's main ...