IAEA confirms severe damage to key Iranian heavy water plant after Israeli strike

IAEA was able to confirm "severe damage" to the plant based on an "independent analysis of satellite imagery and facility data," while noting that no declared nuclear materials were present at the site.

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) struck a heavy water reactor in the city of Arak, considered a "key" facility in Iran's nuclear program, on March 27.

The attack targeted "key infrastructure for producing plutonium for nuclear weapons" after the Ayatollah regime in Iran "began restoring the facility," according to the Israeli military.

"Tehran will make Israel pay a high price," Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated, commenting on the attack.

Israel struck two of Iran's largest steel mills, a power plant, civilian nuclear facilities, and other infrastructure, Araghchi alleged.

"Israel claims to have acted in coordination with the U.S," he said.

"This attack contradicts the U.S. president's extended deadline for diplomatic negotiations. Iran will make Israel pay a heavy price for its crimes."

The agency has found no evidence that Iran is building a nuclear bomb, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi stated on March 4. At the same time, the IAEA cannot confirm that Tehran's nuclear program has exclusively peaceful intentions, he added.

The U.S. and Israel discussed possibility of deploying special forces to Iran to secure stockpiles of highly enriched uranium at a later stage of the military operation, Axios reported on March 8, citing sources.

An operation to seize nuclear materials will likely require an incursion by American or Israeli troops into Iranian territory, specifically penetrating heavily fortified underground facilities. It remains unclear whether this would be a U.S., Israeli, or joint mission, according to Axios. It will likely only take place after both countries are convinced that the Iranian armed forces do not pose a serious threat to the deployed troops.