June 19, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) released a message on social media platforms stating that information in its possession indicated an attack on the heavy water reactor under construction at Fordow, Iran. However, as the reactor was not operational and did not contain any nuclear materials, there was no radioactive impact.
Earlier on the same day, the spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces issued warnings to residents in designated areas of Arak and Fordow in Iran, urging them to evacuate immediately before the Israeli Defense Forces attacked Iranian military facilities. It is reported that both Arak and Fordow have nuclear facilities, namely the Arak heavy water reactor and the under-construction Fordow heavy water reactor.
The Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) reported that the area near the Fordow heavy water reactor was struck by Israel around 6:00 AM local time. Two missiles were fired toward the facility, while another portion of the missiles were intercepted by the air defense system. According to reports, the strike did not cause significant damage.
Since June 13, Israel has launched large-scale airstrikes against multiple locations in Iran, targeting Iranian nuclear facilities and military sites. The IAEA previously stated that according to reports from Iran's nuclear regulatory body, the Isfahan nuclear facility was damaged during the Israeli airstrikes, but external radiation levels remained unchanged. The agency also noted that it did not observe further damage to Natanz nuclear facility in Iran, which was one of the targets of the Israeli forces on June 13.
Israel's National Security Advisor Hanegbi said on June 17 that Israel's military actions against Iran would "not end until the Fordo nuclear facility is destroyed."
It is understood that the Fordo nuclear facility is located in a mountainous area about 30 kilometers south of Qom City, Iran. The facility is built 90 meters deep into the rock layer, a design intended to withstand potential airstrikes and enhance the facility's protection. However, analysts point out that Israel's conventional weapons cannot reach such depths, requiring U.S. military intervention.
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