Israel and the United States (US) carried out a joint strike on nuclear facilities in central Iran on Friday. The operation marks a new escalation in regional tensions. Iranian authorities reported no casualties and confirmed that no radioactive leaks occurred following the attacks.
The strikes targeted the heavy water processing complex in Jondab and a “yellowcake” uranium production facility in the city of Ardakan, located in Yazd province. The incidents were confirmed by local officials as well as by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), although both sides provided differing descriptions of the sites.
Israel and the US strike nuclear facilities in central Iran amid escalating conflict
According to Hasan Qamari, deputy governor of Markazi province, “the Jondab facility was attacked by Zionist and American enemies,” in statements reported by the state news agency IRNA. He emphasized that the attack caused no damage that would endanger the population.
The Israeli military, however, stated that its air force struck a key installation involved in producing raw materials necessary for uranium enrichment. In a statement, the IDF described the target as “a unique facility in Iran” and said the operation was intended to weaken the country’s nuclear program.
“This strike deprives the Iranian regime of essential materials needed to advance its nuclear capabilities,” the military said, framing the operation as part of a broader campaign against what it considers a strategic threat.
Iranian authorities downplayed the impact. Qamari characterized the strikes as a sign of “desperation” by adversaries in response to Iran’s scientific and industrial progress, and insisted that nuclear activities would continue uninterrupted.
Similarly, the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran confirmed the attack on the Ardakan facility, a critical site where uranium ore is processed into yellowcake, an intermediate step before enrichment. The agency reiterated that no radioactive materials were released outside the complex.
The attack comes amid intensifying hostilities over the past several weeks. In the last 28 days, multiple Iranian nuclear facilities have been targeted. Among them is the Natanz site, which has reportedly been struck at least twice during the conflict.
In retaliation, Iran has launched missiles and drones toward Israeli targets, including areas near Dimona, where key nuclear installations are located.
The latest strikes have heightened international concern over the risk of broader escalation, particularly given the dangers associated with military operations involving nuclear infrastructure. While no radiation leaks have been reported so far, analysts warn that such attacks increase the vulnerability of sensitive facilities and raise geopolitical tensions across the Middle East.
Both sides remain firm in their positions. Israel continues to seek to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions, while Tehran maintains that it will pursue its technological development despite external military pressure.
