Electric Accident at Iran's Natanz Nuclear Facility... "Israeli Mossad Attack"

[Asia Economy Reporter Yujin Cho] The Natanz nuclear facility in Iran, which possesses advanced centrifuges banned under the JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action), has reportedly been subjected to a cyberattack. Iran's nuclear authorities have classified the incident as an act of terrorism and urged the international community to respond accordingly.

On the 11th (local time), Behrouz Kamalvandi, spokesperson for the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, told state-run Press TV and Fars News Agency that "there was an accident in part of the power distribution network of the Natanz underground nuclear facility, but there were no leaks or casualties."

He condemned the incident as a despicable act of terrorism and sabotage, calling on the international community and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to address this nuclear terrorism. He also emphasized, "The Iranian government reserves the right to take appropriate measures against the perpetrators."

Israeli media reported that the cyberattack was likely carried out by Israeli authorities. The public broadcaster Kan cited anonymous intelligence sources, reporting that the Israeli intelligence agency Mossad launched a cyberattack targeting the Natanz nuclear facility on that day.

Channel 12 also quoted experts estimating that the entire Natanz nuclear facility was affected by the attack.

Earlier, Aviv Kochavi, Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces, reportedly hinted at an Israeli military operation following the announcement of the incident at the Natanz nuclear facility, according to The Jerusalem Post.

This incident comes amid renewed diplomatic efforts to revive the nuclear deal after the United States unilaterally withdrew from it during the administration of former President Donald Trump.

After the Trump administration's unilateral withdrawal from the nuclear deal in 2018, the Iranian government gradually abandoned its obligations to freeze and reduce its nuclear program as stipulated in the deal starting from May 2019.

The day before, on 'Nuclear Technology Day,' the Iranian government held an event at the Natanz underground nuclear facility to operate advanced centrifuges IR-5 and IR-6. According to the nuclear deal signed between Iran and the United States in 2015, Iran is only allowed to use IR-1 centrifuges for uranium enrichment.

Previously, in July of last year, an explosion occurred at the Natanz nuclear facility. At that time, the Iranian government claimed the explosion was caused by an external attack.

The Natanz nuclear facility, which suffered the accident, is a uranium enrichment site where centrifuges are in operation. This facility is also subject to daily inspections by the IAEA.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.