Iran's nuclear programme has been a controversial and hotly debated issue in global politics and Middle East geopolitics for decades. The programme, which Iran claims is for peaceful energy production, is seen by Western countries and Israel as a potential attempt to develop nuclear weapons. In recent years, especially in 2024-25, Israel has carried out several attacks on Iran's nuclear facilities, especially the Natanz nuclear plant. In this article, let us analyse the magnitude of Iran's nuclear programme, the strategic importance of Natanz and the reasons behind Israel's attacks.
Iran's nuclear programme: How big?
Iran's nuclear programme began in the 1950s, when nuclear research was initiated with US support during the reign of the Shah. After the Islamic Revolution of 1979, the programme gained renewed momentum. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Iran has several major nuclear facilities, including Natanz, Fordo, Isfahan, Bushehr and Khondab. Of these, Natanz and Fordo are the most important for uranium enrichment.
According to a recent IAEA report, Iran has a stockpile of uranium with a purity of up to 60%, which can be further refined to make six nuclear bombs. This quantity and technical capability enables Iran to make nuclear weapons, although Iran repeatedly claims that its program is only for peaceful purposes. The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) agreement in 2015 limited Iran's nuclear activities, but Iran again increased enrichment after the US withdrew from it in 2018.
Strategic importance of Natanz
Natanz, located on the edge of the mountains near the city of Qom, about 225 kilometers south of Tehran, is Iran's largest uranium enrichment center. The facility is known for two major plants—the Fuel Enrichment Plant (FEP) and the Pilot Fuel Enrichment Plant (PFEP). The FEP, which is built underground, has about 16,000 centrifuges, of which 13,000 are active and produce uranium with up to 5% purity. Its underground structure is designed to protect it from air attacks, making it extremely difficult to destroy.
After the Natanz revelations in 2002, it became a focus of concern for Western countries and Israel. Israel considers it the backbone of Iran's nuclear weapons program, and also calls it "Iran's Kairana Hill", drawing comparisons to Pakistan's nuclear program. Natanz's strategic location and technological capabilities make it a symbol of Iran's nuclear ambitions.
Israel targets Natanz
Israel has long regarded Iran's nuclear program as a threat to its national security. In 2024–25, Israel stepped up attacks on several of Iran's nuclear facilities, including Natanz. In June 2025, Israel launched airstrikes on Natanz as part of Operation "Rising Lion", causing significant damage to the facility. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed the attacks were necessary to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear bomb.
However, Iran called the attacks a failure and said its security system protected Natanz from serious damage. The IAEA also confirmed that no radiation exposure was observed in Natanz or Isfahan following the attacks. Nevertheless, satellite imagery showed that Natanz's pilot plant and an electrical substation were damaged.
Recent News and Future
Tensions between Israel and Iran reached a peak in June 2025, when Israel attacked Natanz as well as Isfahan and Fordow. Iran responded by launching Operation "True Promise 3", in which missiles were fired at Tel Aviv and Haifa. The global community, especially the G7 countries, are concerned about this escalating conflict, as it has increased the risk of a regional war.
Iran's nuclear program and Israel's attack on Natanz are part of the complex geopolitics of the Middle East. While Iran claims its sovereignty and scientific progress, Israel considers it a threat to its existence. In the future, diplomatic talks or military confrontation will determine the resolution of this tension.
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