“Satellite Images Show Massive Damage to Iran’s Arak Nuclear Facility After Israeli Airstrikes”
“High-resolution Maxar satellite images confirm significant structural damage to Iran’s Arak heavy water reactor—targeted by Israel to hinder plutonium production. No radiological risk, says IAEA.”
image for illustrative purpose
Satellite imagery from Maxar Technologies (June 19) vividly shows substantial destruction at Iran’s heavy water reactor complex near Arak (Khondab), following what Israel describes as precision-guided airstrikes on June 18–19.
The photos reveal the collapse of the reactor dome’s crown and extensive harm to adjacent infrastructure, including distillation units.
Although Iran confirmed that “projectiles” hit the site, officials initially withheld specific damage details. The Maxar pictures offer the most definitive proof so far.
The Khondab reactor is designed for plutonium production, a potential path to nuclear weapons—though it wasn’t operational at the time.
Israel’s military stated it targeted components critical to plutonium output to prevent any future military use.
IAEA Confirms No Radiological Risk
The UN’s nuclear watchdog confirmed that Arak was not loaded with nuclear material and remains non-operational, posing no radiation danger—though key buildings at the nearby heavy-water production plant were also struck.
Context of Broader Strikes
This attack is part of Israel’s wider "Operation Rising Lion," which has targeted multiple Iranian nuclear sites—Natanz, Isfahan, Karaj—and military facilities since mid‑June, elevating regional tensions significantly.
High-resolution evidence confirms serious damage to Iran’s Arak reactor dome and support structures.
No nuclear material onsite, alleviating fears of radioactive fallout, per IAEA.
Part of expanded campaign to prevent Iran from progressing its nuclear ambitions.
