IAEA says Israel hit two nuclear centrifuge production sites in Iran
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on Wednesday confirmed two nuclear centrifuge centres in Iran were hit by Israel.
In an X post, IAEA said, "The IAEA has information that two centrifuge production facilities in Iran, the TESA Karaj workshop and the Tehran Research Center, were hit. Both sites were previously under IAEA monitoring and verification as part of the JCPOA."
⭕️ The IDF struck a centrifuge production site and multiple weapon manufacturing facilities in the Tehran area, key elements of Iran’s nuclear weapons and missile programs.
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) June 18, 2025
Over 50 IAF fighter jets targeted:
- A facility for producing centrifuges used to enrich uranium beyond… pic.twitter.com/YXMiKAJWVz
"At the Tehran site, one building was hit where advanced centrifuge rotors were manufactured and tested. At Karaj, two buildings were destroyed where different centrifuge components were manufactured," the UN body said.
The announcement was made just hours after the Israeli military confirmed its 25 fighter jets struck over 40 missile infrastructure components directed toward it.
The IAEA has information that two centrifuge production facilities in Iran, the TESA Karaj workshop and the Tehran Research Center, were hit. Both sites were previously under IAEA monitoring and verification as part of the JCPOA.
— IAEA - International Atomic Energy Agency ⚛️ (@iaeaorg) June 18, 2025
IDF wrote on X: "A loaded and ready-to-launch "Emad" missile launcher was also struck overnight."
UN Urges Iran, Israel To De-Escalate
As the Iran-Israel crisis continued into a sixth day on Wednesday, the UN deputy human rights chief Nada Al-Nashif called for urgent talks to end the ongoing exchanges of missile attacks between Tehran and Tel-Aviv.
Israel began targeting nuclear and military sites across Iran last Friday, prompting a barrage of retaliatory strikes on Israeli cities.
“The UN human rights office urges de-escalation and urgent diplomatic negotiations to end these attacks and find a way forward,” said Ms. Al-Nashif. “We are following closely and are aware of reports that many thousands of residents are fleeing parts of the capital, Tehran, as a result of warnings covering broad areas.”
Latest reports from the region indicate that more than 200 people have been killed in Iran and 24 in Israel to date. The violence continued unabated overnight in both countries.
Addressing the Human Rights Council in Geneva at a scheduled meeting to discuss Iran’s rights record, the Deputy High Commissioner highlighted serious concerns that populated areas have been hit in the escalation.
“It is imperative that both sides fully respect international law, in particular by ensuring the protection of civilians in densely populated areas and of civilian objects,” she said. “We urge all those with influence to engage in negotiation as a matter of priority.”
