Israeli Strikes Hit Iran's Khondab Heavy Water Reactor

In a recent development, Israeli military forces have launched an attack on Iran's Khondab Heavy Water Research Reactor, a site that was still under construction and yet to become operational. The United Nations' International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed on Thursday that the strike also impacted the adjacent plant responsible for heavy water production.

The reactor, originally designed to yield plutonium potentially usable in nuclear arms, was modified under a 2015 international nuclear agreement. The modifications were intended to minimize proliferation risks by replacing its core with concrete. Despite the damage, the facility was not operational and contained no nuclear material, ensuring no immediate radiological danger.

While initial reports suggested the production plant had escaped unscathed, a revised IAEA assessment indicated that critical structures, including the distillation unit, suffered damage. Iran had informed IAEA that the reactor was scheduled to become operational in 2026.

(With inputs from agencies.)