On Saturday, reports emerged about an Israeli attack on Iran’s Fordo nuclear enrichment site. The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) indicated there was "limited damage" at the facility. However, the Israeli military has not confirmed any strikes took place.
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Rafael Grossi stated that he saw no damage at Fordo or at the Khondab heavy water reactor, which is still under construction. He called for restraint from all parties involved, stressing that military escalation could lead to severe consequences, including a potential radiological release.
Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, condemned the alleged Israeli attacks as a "blatant violation of international law." He expressed hope that the IAEA’s board would respond with a strong condemnation. Araghchi also noted that Iran’s missile strikes on Israel were a direct response to what he termed aggression.
The Israeli military has ramped up its air campaign, with Brigadier General Effie Defrin stating that the military would continue operations to neutralize what it sees as an existential threat from Iran, focusing on both its nuclear ambitions and missile capabilities.
The conflict has had a devastating toll. According to Iran’s health ministry, over 220 people have died due to the Israeli strikes since Friday. In contrast, Israeli authorities report that 24 citizens have been killed by Iranian missiles.
This escalation comes after the IAEA’s board declared Iran in breach of its non-proliferation obligations for the first time in two decades. The board cited Iran’s failure to provide satisfactory answers regarding undeclared nuclear material and activities as grounds for this declaration.
Under the 2015 nuclear deal, Iran was restricted from enriching uranium beyond 3.67% purity and from enriching at Fordo for 15 years. However, after the U.S. withdrew from the agreement in 2018 and reinstated sanctions, Iran began to breach these restrictions. Since 2021, it has resumed enrichment at Fordo and has reportedly accumulated enough 60%-enriched uranium to create nine nuclear bombs, according to the IAEA.
The situation remains tense, with both sides showing no signs of backing down. The international community watches closely as the potential for further escalation looms.