• Source:JND
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Israel-Iran War:  Israel's pre-dawn air raid on Iran's main uranium enrichment facility at Natanz has resulted in "radioactive and chemical contamination" at the massive desert region, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director-General Rafael Grossi informed in an emergency session of the UN Security Council on Friday. Grossi reported that the "above-ground pilot enrichment plant" was "destroyed," along with all surface electrical infrastructure as well as backup generators. Though Natanz's central centrifuges are hidden below 25 metres of concrete, the unexpected loss of power "could have weakened the underground cascade," the nuclear director cautioned. Missiles and drones also hit the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant, deeply buried in a mountain close to Qom, and a research facility at Isfahan, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi informed the Council. Military activity has been seen around both facilities, the IAEA confirmed.

Iran Attacks Israel

Hours after the Israeli raid, Iran unleashed waves of ballistic missiles and armed drones at central and coastal Israel. Sirens shrieked throughout Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, where interceptions lit up the night sky and residents were forced into shelters. Israel's Magen David Adom emergency service reported that two were killed and at least 20 injured when a projectile hit residential buildings in Rishon Lezion, south of Tel Aviv. Iran's UN ambassador, Amir Saeid Iravani, reported to the Council that 78 Iranians, including high-ranking military officers and nuclear scientists, were killed in the early Israeli attacks, and more than 320 were wounded. Among the victims are Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Mohammad Bagheri, Revolutionary Guard Commander Gen. Hossein Salami, and missile-force chief Gen. Amir Ali Hajizadeh, as reported by Israeli officials. Israeli officials reported that the operation, using about 200 warplanes and pre-positioned loitering drones, had been planned for months.

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Oman Nuclear Talks In Jeopardy

The attack was two days ahead of the US and Iranian diplomats' return to Muscat for indirect talks to restore limits on Tehran's nuclear program. Iran's foreign ministry spokesman described the talks as now "meaningless," but refrained from canceling the meeting altogether.

ALSO READ: 'India Can Mediate': Israel Envoy Says New Delhi Could De-Escalate Situations As Israel‑Iran War Intensifies

Jordan reopened its airspace at 07:30 local time after closing it overnight when Israeli fighter aircraft and Iranian missiles crossed the region's airspace, but carriers between Europe and Asia still divert or delay flights on the congested East‑West corridor. UN Secretary-General António Guterres called the crisis "a dangerous escalation that could engulf the wider Middle East," asking both countries to "step back from the brink." The European Union, India, Japan and Gulf states too made similar appeals.