Israeli Strike Directly Hit Iran’s Natanz Underground Enrichment Plant, IAEA Says

 This satellite image from Planet Labs PBC shows the Natanz nuclear enrichment site in Iran after an Israeli strike Saturday, June 14, 2025. (Planet Labs PBC via AP)
This satellite image from Planet Labs PBC shows the Natanz nuclear enrichment site in Iran after an Israeli strike Saturday, June 14, 2025. (Planet Labs PBC via AP)
TT
20

Israeli Strike Directly Hit Iran’s Natanz Underground Enrichment Plant, IAEA Says

 This satellite image from Planet Labs PBC shows the Natanz nuclear enrichment site in Iran after an Israeli strike Saturday, June 14, 2025. (Planet Labs PBC via AP)
This satellite image from Planet Labs PBC shows the Natanz nuclear enrichment site in Iran after an Israeli strike Saturday, June 14, 2025. (Planet Labs PBC via AP)

An Israeli military strike on Iran's nuclear complex at Natanz directly hit the underground uranium enrichment plant there, the UN nuclear watchdog said on Tuesday, revising its assessment after initially reporting it had been hit only indirectly.

Since Israel's launched wide-ranging attacks on Iran on Friday, the International Atomic Energy Agency has been providing updates on its assessment of the damage to nuclear sites, although it has not been able to carry out inspections.

The IAEA had previously said an above-ground pilot enrichment plant at Natanz was destroyed but the larger underground plant was not directly hit, although IAEA chief Rafael Grossi said on Monday its centrifuges had very likely been badly damaged by a strike on the plant's power supply.

However, on Tuesday it said on X: "Based on continued analysis of high-resolution satellite imagery collected after Friday's attacks, the IAEA has identified additional elements that indicate direct impacts on the underground enrichment halls at Natanz."

It said there was "no change to report" at Iran's two other major nuclear sites, Isfahan and Fordo.

Grossi had said on Monday there was little or no apparent damage at Fordo, where Iran has enriched uranium up to 60%, close to the 90% weapons grade, at a plant dug deep into a mountain.

At the Isfahan nuclear complex, several facilities were destroyed, including Iran's plant that converted uranium into a form into which it could be fed into centrifuges for enrichment, the IAEA has reported.



Russian Delegation Heads to Türkiye for Talks with Ukraine, News Agencies Say 

A security personnel stands guard in front of the Ciragan Palace before the third meeting between Russian and Ukrainian delegations for peace talks in Istanbul, Türkiye, 23 July 2025. (EPA)
A security personnel stands guard in front of the Ciragan Palace before the third meeting between Russian and Ukrainian delegations for peace talks in Istanbul, Türkiye, 23 July 2025. (EPA)
TT
20

Russian Delegation Heads to Türkiye for Talks with Ukraine, News Agencies Say 

A security personnel stands guard in front of the Ciragan Palace before the third meeting between Russian and Ukrainian delegations for peace talks in Istanbul, Türkiye, 23 July 2025. (EPA)
A security personnel stands guard in front of the Ciragan Palace before the third meeting between Russian and Ukrainian delegations for peace talks in Istanbul, Türkiye, 23 July 2025. (EPA)

Russian negotiators are flying to Türkiye for the first peace talks with Ukraine in more than seven weeks, Russian news agencies reported on Wednesday.

State agency TASS said talks would take place later on Wednesday in Istanbul.

Data from tracking site Flightradar24 showed the plane used by Russian delegation chief Vladimir Medinsky to fly to previous talks in Istanbul had taken off from Moscow.

The warring sides held two previous rounds of talks in Istanbul, on May 16 and June 2, that led to the exchange of thousands of prisoners of war and the remains of dead soldiers.

But they have made no breakthrough towards a ceasefire or a settlement to end almost three and a half years of war.

US President Donald Trump last week threatened heavy new sanctions on Russia and countries that buy its exports unless a peace deal was reached within 50 days.

But three sources close to the Kremlin told Reuters that Putin, unfazed by Trump's ultimatum, would keep on fighting in Ukraine until the West engaged on his terms for peace, and that his territorial demands may widen as Russian forces advance.