The recent satellite images have revealed that the damage on Iran’s nuclear program, might not have been heavy at all. The images released by Maxar Technologies, an American space technology company, shows that the US military was careful not to hit the reactors at key research site. The latest damage report released by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) does not mention three key research reactors. One of them is a small reactor which uses 900 grams of weapons-grade uranium.
Which nuclear sites were left untouched?
The Isfahan Nuclear Technology and Research Centre is one of Iran’s most important nuclear sites. It houses three research reactors, including a so-called “miniature neutron source reactor” built by China in 1991.
This particular reactor runs on 900 grams (about 2 pounds) of highly enriched, bomb-grade uranium, a material that could be very dangerous if released.
Interestingly, these reactors were not damaged in the recent attacks. The latest report from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) makes no mention of harm to these facilities, suggesting that the US and Israel intentionally avoided them.
According to several senior officials in Vienna, the decision was made to prevent a potentially catastrophic situation. Hitting an operational nuclear reactor, even a small one, could cause radioactive leaks and set a dangerous precedent for future conflicts.
International response and concerns
The IAEA quickly called an emergency meeting in Austria to discuss the ongoing strikes and their impact on global nuclear safety. Inspectors are now demanding that Iran disclose the current location of its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, concerned that the attacks could make it harder to monitor Iran’s nuclear activities.
Iran, on the other hand, has warned that these strikes have seriously damaged international diplomatic efforts to stop the spread of nuclear weapons. Iranian officials argue that the attacks undermine trust and make it more difficult to reach peaceful solutions.
What’s next?
US officials say it will take time to fully assess the damage and understand the long-term consequences of the strikes. For now, the world is watching closely to see how Iran will respond and whether the careful avoidance of the most sensitive reactors will help prevent a wider nuclear crisis.