Coalition airstrike hits Natanz Nuclear Facility; IAEA reports no radiation leak

TEHRAN: Iranian state media has confirmed that a US-Israeli coalition conducted an airstrike on the Natanz nuclear facility early this morning. However, officials emphasised that the strike resulted in no nuclear leakage or environmental contamination.

Natanz, Iran’s primary nuclear enrichment site, has been a recurring target since the current war began four weeks ago. While recent satellite imagery reveals significant structural damage to several buildings, the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog confirmed there has been no radiation leak. Located roughly 220 kilometers (135 miles) southeast of Tehran, the facility was previously targeted during the "12-Day War" between Iran and Israel in June 2025.

This latest escalation follows a series of conflicting signals from Washington. On Friday, US President Donald Trump indicated on Truth Social that he was considering "winding down" military operations, claiming that Western military moves are "close to their goal." Trump asserted that the campaign to dismantle the Iranian regime is on track.

"The United States has succeeded in degrading Iran's military and nuclear capabilities and has eliminated its senior leadership," Trump claimed. Despite hints of a drawdown, he ruled out a formal ceasefire, maintaining that "there is no possibility" of an agreement at this time. He further called on international stakeholders to take responsibility for protecting the Strait of Hormuz, stating that the nations that rely on the waterway should be the ones to police it.