Satellite imagery has revealed Iran’s Arak heavy water research reactor with a large hole torn into it following an Israeli bombing raid on the nuclear facility, which had been constructed as a central element of the nation’s nuclear weapon goals.
Comparative photos from before and after highlight the extent of the destruction inflicted on the site after the Israeli forces reported striking the nuclear installation near Arak, situated in central Iran, early Thursday in a deliberate attack.
In the aftermath of the blast, one image showed a large crater in the dome of the partially built heavy-water research reactor.
Israel subsequently released monochrome footage of the assault on the Arak reactor, illustrating the bomb detonating on the dome and resulting in a significant plume of fire and smoke rising skyward.
Fighter jets targeted the Arak facility and its reactor core seal to halt it from being used to produce plutonium, Israel’s military said.
“The strike targeted the component intended for plutonium production, in order to prevent the reactor from being restored and used for nuclear weapons development,” the Israelis said.
Heavy-water reactors produce plutonium, which — like enriched uranium — can be used to make the core of an atom bomb.
The United Nations’ nuclear watchdog noted that since it was not in operation and contained no nuclear material at the time, there was no danger to the public of any “radiological effects.”
The facility had also been evacuated before the attack, Iranian state television reported.
In the lead up, the Israel Defense Forces had shared an evacuation warning across social media that included a satellite image of the nuclear plant — complete with a red circle blast zone.
“Dear citizens, for your safety and well-being, we urgently request that you immediately evacuate the designated area in Tehran’s Area 18. Your presence in this area puts your life at risk,” the IDF wrote on X.
With Post wires
