Israel attacks Iran: Key uranium enrichment facility in central Iran 'hit several times'

Israel's attack on Iran Friday hit a key uranium enrichment facility in the country's centre multiple times, state TV reported.

The "Natanz enrichment facility has been hit several times," state TV reported, showing footage of heavy smoke billowing from the site. 

UN nuclear watchdog

Israel's attack on Iran came shortly after the UN nuclear watchdog found that Iran is not meeting its nuclear obligations — marking the first such finding in two decades.

On Thursday (June 12), the UN nuclear watchdog's board of governors formally declared that Iran is not in compliance. 

The move was seen as a trigger for escalating tensions and potentially trigger efforts to reinstate UN sanctions on Tehran later this year.

Iran's response

In response, Iran announced plans to construct a new uranium enrichment facility “in a secure location,” adding that “other measures are also being planned.”

“The Islamic Republic of Iran has no choice but to respond to this political resolution,” said Iran’s Foreign Ministry and the Atomic Energy Organisation in a joint statement.

According to diplomats who spoke anonymously due to the private nature of the proceedings, 19 countries on the International Atomic Energy Agency’s board voted in favour of the resolution.