Israel attacks Iranian nuclear facilities - threatens a new war?

Israel attacks Iranian nuclear facilities - threatens a new war?

Natanz, Iran - Israel has started a series of rocket attacks on Iran in the past few days. The offensive aims in particular on Iranian nuclear systems, including the heavy water reactor in Arak and the uranium enrichment system in Natanz . Israel thus pursues the goal of destroying components that could be used for plutonium production to prevent the development of nuclear weapons. The nuclear power plant Bushehr , the only nuclear power plant in Iran, is also seen as a potential goal. This aggression has already triggered international concern, especially from Moskau , where there is a warning before an attack on Bushehr, since Russian experts and nuclear fuel are active there.

The attack further fueled the internationally controversial situation around the Iranian nuclear program. Experts warn that the attacks could destabilize the region. The Israeli army reports on destruction in Natanz, one of the most famous Iranian nuclear facilities. It consists of an above -ground and an underground complex for uranium enrichment, which includes several thousand centrifuges that can be used for both civilian and military purposes, depending on the level of enrichment. The IAEA boss Rafael Grossi confirmed that the system was hit in Natanz, but without determining increased radiation values.

Details on the goals and damage

Among the goals were also the Fordo nuclear system, which is located in a mountainous area and, according to IAEA, offers space for 3,000 centrifuges. This facility has been brought in connection with highly enriched uranium in recent years. There were also reports of explosions in the Attache Fordo as well as reports on destruction in the nuclear technology center in Isfahan where plants for processing uranium are located. Despite the aggressive attacks, the nuclear research center in Tehran , which houses a research reactor delivered by the USA, was not attacked.

The tensions between Israel and Iran are not new and come from a long conflict that began in the 1960s. During this time, the Iranian nuclear program with the support of the United States. The fall of the Shah in 1979 and the founding of the Islamic Republic led to a break in the ratio between the two countries. In 2015 the Vienna Nuclear Agreement was signed, which aimed to control the Iranian nuclear program and gradually lifting sanctions.

international reaction and possible escalation

The current attacks represent the most violent escalation in the long -term conflict. Iran has previously started attacks in Israeli territory with rockets and drones. In a further step, the USA interfered in the conflict on June 22, 2025 and bombed three nuclear facilities in Iran, which contributes to further tightening the situation. US President Trump said that the facilities were "completely destroyed", which was contested by Iran.

With the current situation, the international actors are again challenged, who tried diplomatically in advance to defuse the conflict. It remains to be seen whether there can be a renewed dialogue between the conflicting parties despite the military disputes.

Tagesschau provides details about the atress facilities
Tagesschau offers a historical context of the conflict