Daijiworld Media Network – Tehran

Tehran, Jun 18: The United Nations nuclear watchdog has confirmed significant damage to two Iranian centrifuge production facilities following Israeli airstrikes on Wednesday, intensifying the already volatile conflict between Iran and Israel.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) stated on X that the TESA Karaj workshop and the Tehran Research Center, both under its monitoring as part of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), were hit during the strikes.

"At the Tehran site, one building was hit where advanced centrifuge rotors were manufactured and tested. At Karaj, two buildings were destroyed where various centrifuge components were produced," the IAEA said, confirming serious damage to critical infrastructure used in uranium enrichment.

Centrifuges are essential to Iran's nuclear programme. While they can enrich uranium for civilian energy purposes, the same technology can be weaponised, raising fresh concerns over nuclear escalation.

The Israeli military said over 50 fighter jets were involved in a “series of precision air strikes” in the Tehran region, targeting weapons manufacturing sites. In a rare move, they issued evacuation warnings to civilians in certain parts of the Iranian capital ahead of the strikes.

"In a broad effort to disrupt Iran's nuclear weapons development programme, a centrifuge production facility in Tehran was targeted," the Israeli statement read.

In retaliation, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards announced the launch of hypersonic Fattah-1 missiles at Tel Aviv, marking the 11th wave of its operation, dubbed "Honest Promise 3". The missiles reportedly caused damage, though casualty figures remain unclear.

Amid the rising tensions, US President Donald Trump took a hardline stance, demanding Iran’s “unconditional surrender”, fuelling speculation about Washington’s involvement or tacit support in Israel’s campaign.

The escalating exchange between the two regional powers has raised alarm internationally, with fears of a full-blown war in the Middle East growing rapidly.