Classified Israeli Operation Led To Explosion At Iran's Natanz Facility - Reports
Faizan Hashmi Published April 12, 2021 | 08:40 AM
MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 12th April, 2021) The accident at Iran's Natanz nuclear plant was caused by a large explosion that was the result of a classified Israeli operation, The New York Times reports, saying it could take months to undo the damage.
On Sunday morning, Iran reported that the Natanz facility had suffered an accident involving its electricity distribution network. The Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran (AEO) chief, Ali Akbar Salehi, described the accident as "nuclear terrorism."
Israel's Kan channel reported citing intelligence sources on Sunday that the Natanz facility was subjected to a cyberattack involving Israel's foreign intelligence service Mossad.
A US official confirmed to The New York Times on Sunday that there was "an Israeli role" in the power outage at Natanz.
Intelligence officials told the newspaper that the damage at Natanz was caused by an explosion that destroyed the plant's internal power system which supplies uranium enrichment centrifuges.
According to the officials, the explosion was the result of a classified Israeli operation. It could take at least nine months to eliminate the damage done by the blast, The New York Times said.
On Saturday, Iran announced that it was beginning the use of advanced uranium enrichment centrifuges at the Natanz facility.
Under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), known as the Iran nuclear deal, signed between Tehran and major global powers in 2015, Iran is allowed to enrich uranium only using first-generation IR-1 centrifuges at Natanz. Last year Iran started adding more advanced centrifuges that can enrich much faster than the IR-1.
Recent Stories
Saka and Odegaard start for Arsenal, Guerreiro in Bayern midfield
Qatar PM says re-evaluating Israel-Hamas mediation role
Govt spokesperson terms allegations of PTI's Marwat against Saudi Arabia 'heinou ..
Minister appreciate UAE’s support for Pakistan economic challenges
Manchester City v Real Madrid Champions League starting line-ups
MIGA's support Pakistan in attracting foreign investments: Federal Minister for ..
Walker returns to captain Man City for Real Madrid clash
Action taken against price list violations in Khanewal district
DC chairs review meeting of DEG
Turkey accuses Israel's Netanyahu of using war 'to stay in power'
Pakistan ranked 5th most vulnerable country to climate change. Tirmizi
Nadal comeback ends in Barcelona Open second round
More Stories From World
-
EU weighs response to Russian 'interference' in election runup
2 hours ago -
Going 'backwards'? Whistleblowers slam Boeing safety culture
2 hours ago -
US to reimpose oil sanctions on Venezuela: officials
3 hours ago -
NBA bans Raptors forward Jontay Porter for life over gambling violations
3 hours ago -
20,000 rally in Georgia as MPs advance controversial 'foreign influence' law
3 hours ago -
Scholz urges other EU leaders to send Ukraine air defences
3 hours ago
-
No end in sight to Libya crisis after UN envoy quits
3 hours ago -
Ecuador tells workers to stay home amid energy crisis
4 hours ago -
Mayorkas impeachment trial begins in US Senate
4 hours ago -
House Republicans finally announce vote for $61 bn in Ukraine aid
4 hours ago -
Qatar PM says re-evaluating Israel-Hamas mediation role
4 hours ago -
Turkey accuses Israel's Netanyahu of using war 'to stay in power'
5 hours ago