TEHRAN: In a dramatic escalation of hostilities, the Israeli military has confirmed a direct Israel strike on Arak nuclear reactor, targeting one of Iran’s key nuclear facilities overnight. The airstrikes also hit multiple strategic sites across Iran, including missile and nuclear infrastructure.
According to the Israeli defense forces, fighter jets carried out precision attacks on more than a dozen targets. The main focus was Iran’s IR-40 heavy water reactor located near the city of Arak. This facility, still under development, is designed to produce plutonium — a potential material for nuclear weapons.
Military officials stated that the jets specifically aimed at the reactor’s core seal, a critical structure that controls the internal containment system. Damaging this component could significantly delay or halt Iran’s plans to activate the reactor.
The Israel strike on Arak nuclear reactor wasn’t the only mission of the night. Additional air raids were launched on a nuclear weapons development site in Natanz. Other targets included factories manufacturing components for Iran’s ballistic missile program.
Iranian state TV confirmed the airstrike on the Arak site but downplayed the impact. Officials claimed there was no radiation threat and said the facility had already been evacuated. The evacuation reportedly followed an earlier Israeli warning, urging civilians near the site to leave the area.
Construction on the Arak reactor began in 2004. While it was originally expected to be operational by 2014, delays pushed the timeline forward. Tehran recently informed the IAEA that the facility would begin functioning by next year.
This Israeli airstrike on Arak facility comes amid rapidly rising tensions. Both nations have exchanged multiple air and missile strikes over the past week. With nuclear infrastructure now in the crosshairs, the conflict is shifting into dangerous territory.
International observers are alarmed. Analysts fear that the attack on Iran’s nuclear reactor could trigger wider regional unrest. Several countries have called for restraint to prevent further escalation.
This bold air raid on Arak reactor marks one of Israel’s most aggressive military moves inside Iranian territory. It also signals a growing willingness to directly confront Iran’s nuclear ambitions.