Iran denounces strikes by Israel and the United States on its Natanz nuclear site

The Iranian site symbolizes the nation’s nuclear power. The Iranian Atomic Energy Organization (IAEO) denounced strikes by the United States and Israel against the Natanz complex in central Iran on Saturday, March 21. “Following the criminal attacks by the United States and the usurping Zionist regime against our country, the Natanz enrichment complex was targeted this morning,” the IAEO stated in a release distributed by the Iranian news agency Tasnim.

The IAEO’s statement, which specified that “no leakage of radioactive materials has been reported” in the area, drew a response from the International Atomic Energy Agency. The IAEA called for “military restraint” as the war in Iran has been ongoing since February 28. The strikes on Natanz have not been confirmed by the Israeli army. When asked about the issue by BFMTV on Saturday, its spokesperson Olivier Rafowicz responded: “I do not confirm any strike as you are requesting at the moment.”

The Israeli military, however, admitted that the Israeli-American “campaign” aims at “the regime [Iranian] itself,” as well as its “ballistic program” and “secret nuclear program.” Natanz was previously targeted by American strikes in June 2025. At that time, Donald Trump’s stated goal was to “destroy” Tehran’s nuclear capabilities, which Washington accuses of enrichment for military purposes.

These accusations are refuted by Iranian authorities, who argue their right to develop a civilian-military nuclear industry. The question of atomic use by Tehran remains at the heart of tensions between the two countries, contributing to the failure of recent talks they have attended in recent months.

Context: The article discusses recent strikes on the Natanz nuclear complex in Iran by the United States and Israel and the reactions and implications surrounding these events.

Fact Check: The content contains quotes from Iranian and Israeli sources regarding the airstrikes on the Natanz complex and the broader geopolitical tensions in the region.