Iran state TV: Three nuclear sites evacuated

Iran state TV: Three nuclear sites evacuated

Iranian state television has reported that three key nuclear sites have been evacuated as tensions between Iran and Israel escalate. The evacuations come amidst a series of airstrikes targeting Iran's nuclear infrastructure, including the Khondab nuclear site and the Fordow nuclear enrichment facility.

The Khondab nuclear site, located near the city of Qom, was struck by Israeli forces overnight. The facility, which was under construction and not operational, was targeted due to its potential to produce plutonium, a key component in nuclear weapons. Israeli authorities have stated that the strike was a response to Iran's recent missile attacks on civilian targets, including the Soroka Hospital in Beer Sheba.

In addition to the Khondab site, Iran's state television also reported that the Fordow nuclear enrichment facility near Qom and the Natanz nuclear facility have been evacuated. The Fordow facility, buried beneath a mountain, has long been considered one of the most protected nuclear targets on the planet. The Natanz facility, previously struck by Israel during its aerial war with Iran, is a complex at the heart of Iran's nuclear program that includes two enrichment plants.

The evacuations come as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to "exact the full price" from Iran after the hospital strike. His defense minister, Israel Katz, also pledged to "increase the intensity of attacks" against Iran. Meanwhile, the United States is considering a potential airstrike on the Fordow nuclear facility, with questions over the effectiveness of the Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) in fully destroying the site [2].

The escalating conflict has raised concerns about potential global oil disruptions, as Iran has threatened to retaliate against any U.S. involvement in the conflict. The Strait of Hormuz, through which around 25% of global oil supplies transit, is a key concern. The U.S. has repositioned some forces in anticipation of potential retaliation, while Russia has cautioned against a U.S. strike on Iran.

Despite public denials of interest in a ceasefire, some signs point to possible behind-the-scenes diplomacy. A plane often used by top Iranian officials recently landed in Muscat, Oman, fueling speculation that backchannel negotiations may already be underway [3].

References:
[1] https://news.sky.com/story/hospital-struck-in-israel-as-idf-attacks-iran-nuclear-site-13385743
[2] https://san.com/cc/trump-still-weighing-strike-on-iran-nuclear-facility/
[3] https://www.wbur.org/hereandnow/2025/06/17/iran-nuclear-program-update