UN watchdog calls for 'military restraint' after US-Israel strike on Iran's Natanz nuclear facility

Natanz complex (File image: AFP)

• Natanz nuclear site attacked; no radiation leak reported
• Iran blames US and Israel; Israel denies involvement
• IAEA urges restraint to prevent nuclear accidents

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Amid escalating hostilities, the United Nations nuclear watchdog urged caution after Iran reported that its key nuclear installation at Natanz had been hit. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed it had received information from Tehran about the incident and stressed the need to prevent further . As IAEA chief Rafael Grossi stated, there was a “call for military restraint to avoid any risk of a nuclear accident.”

According to the agency, “The IAEA has been informed by Iran that the Natanz nuclear site was attacked today. No increase in off-site radiation levels reported.” Iranian authorities similarly maintained that the situation remained contained, saying there had been “no leakage of radioactive materials reported” in the central region surrounding the site.

Iran’s atomic energy organisation described the incident as a direct strike carried out by Washington and Tel Aviv. In a statement carried by Tasnim, it said, “Following the criminal attacks by the United States and the usurping Zionist regime against our country, the... Natanz enrichment complex was targeted this morning.” The facility is widely regarded as one of the country’s most critical uranium enrichment centers.

However, there was some uncertainty around responsibility. CNN reported that the Israel Defence Forces said it was not “familiar with any IDF attack on that facility,” even as Iranian sources attributed the strike to Israel and the United States.

The reported attack comes against the backdrop of continued confrontation between the two sides, with repeated strikes on military and strategic infrastructure. Natanz itself has faced multiple incidents in the past, including during the June 2025 conflict, when Israeli operations targeted Iran’s nuclear and defense capabilities, later joined by the United States.

Separately, discussions in Washington have focused on Iran’s nuclear stockpile. CBS News reported that officials have been considering options related to securing Iranian nuclear material. One proposal involves the possible use of the Joint Special Operations Command, a unit known for highly sensitive missions. While “it’s an option on the table,” according to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, no final decision has been made.

Data cited by CBS News indicated that Iran had accumulated about 972 pounds of uranium enriched to 60 percent purity, close to weapons-grade levels, much of it reportedly stored underground at previously targeted sites.