Prior to today’s Israeli airstrikes, diplomatic discussions between Washington and Tehran concerning Iran’s nuclear program had been intensifying, as apprehensions grew regarding its swift progression. As a notable figure once said, “In diplomacy, patience is the strongest weapon.”
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Israel has now undertaken extensive strikes against Iran, asserting that their targets included nuclear facilities, ballistic missile production sites, and key military commanders. “We act swiftly to defend our national security,” stated Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, reinforcing the nation’s stance amidst escalating tensions.
In recent years, Iran has taken substantial steps to advance its nuclear program, especially since the unraveling of the 2015 landmark agreement, which had previously restricted its nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief. The unraveling began in 2018 when the United States withdrew unilaterally.”
As of mid-May, reports from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) indicated that Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile had reached an estimated 9,247.6 kilograms—exceeding 45 times the limit established in the 2015 agreement. “Numbers alone can be alarming, but they tell a crucial story about intentions,” a diplomatic analyst noted.
Among this stockpile are about 408.6 kilograms enriched to as much as 60%, positioning Iran just a stone’s throw away from the 90% enrichment level required for nuclear weaponry. The IAEA asserts that, theoretically, Iran could produce material for approximately ten nuclear warheads if further refined. Yet, Iranian leaders have consistently denied any aim to develop such weapons.
Here’s a brief overview of Iran’s significant nuclear sites, all of which are subject to ongoing inspections by the UN nuclear watchdog:
Uranium Enrichment Plants:
Natanz
Located roughly 250 kilometers (150 miles) south of Tehran, Natanz serves as Iran’s principal uranium enrichment site, whose existence first came to light in 2002. The facility operates nearly 70 cascades of centrifuges across two enrichment plants, one of which is located underground. A cascade refers to a series of centrifuges used to enrich uranium.
In April 2021, Iran claimed that the site sustained damage due to a sabotage act orchestrated by Israel. Netanyahu recently articulated that today’s operation targeted the “heart of Iran’s nuclear enrichment program,” specifically focusing on the Natanz facility and its nuclear scientists. IAEA Director Rafael Grossi confirmed, “Natanz was among the primary targets of concern.”
Fordo
Initially constructed in secrecy and in violation of UN resolutions, Fordo lies beneath a mountain near the central city of Qom and was first acknowledged publically in 2009. Initially described as an “emergency” facility to shield it from air attacks, Iran later revealed it was capable of housing around 3,000 centrifuges.
Recent discoveries of uranium particles enriched to 83.7% have sparked concern, though Iran attributes these findings to “unintended fluctuations” in the enrichment process.
Uranium Conversion and Research Reactors:
Isfahan
The uranium conversion facility at Isfahan, located in central Iran, processes raw uranium into uranium tetrafluoride (UF4) and further into uranium hexafluoride (UF6), which serves as a feed gas for centrifuges. Since its industrial testing was completed in 2004, Isfahan has also housed a nuclear fuel fabrication facility, inaugurated in 2009, which produces low-enriched fuel for power plants. Iran announced plans to construct a new research reactor here in July 2022.
Arak
Construction on the Arak heavy-water research reactor, located on the outskirts of Khondab, began in the 2000s but was halted following the 2015 agreement. Nevertheless, Iran has communicated its intentions to the IAEA to commission the reactor by 2026, which is primarily intended to produce plutonium for medical research.
Tehran
The Tehran Nuclear Research Center features a reactor established by the United States in 1967, aimed at generating medical radioisotopes.
Nuclear Power Plants:
Bushehr
Iran’s sole nuclear power plant resides in the southern port city of Bushehr. Completed by Russia, it began operations in 2011 with lower capacity before integrating into the national power grid in 2012. Russia continues to supply nuclear fuel to this facility, which remains under IAEA supervision. Originally initiated by a German company, the project was paused due to the 1979 Islamic Revolution, and Moscow subsequently completed it.
Darkhovin and Sirik
In late 2022, Iran initiated construction of a 300-megawatt power plant in Darkhovin, located in the southwest. By early 2024, work commenced in Sirik on a new complex featuring four individual plants, collectively aiming for a capacity of 5,000 megawatts.
As the world watches these developments unfold, the stakes have never been higher. The path forward will require careful navigation through the complex waters of diplomacy, security, and international relations.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring
