In a major military move, Israel Strikes Iran’s Nuclear facility in a surprise airstrike on the heavy-water reactor in Arak on 19 June 2025. The attack came just hours after Iranian officials issued a public warning to evacuate the nearby city, indicating prior knowledge of an impending strike and an effort to minimise civilian casualties.
This targeted attack marks a significant escalation in the ongoing tension between the two nations. Israel has long suspected Iran of advancing its nuclear programme despite global warnings and international agreements. By hitting one of Iran’s key nuclear sites, Israel aims to send a strong message that it will not tolerate any perceived threat to its national security.
Evacuation Warning Before the Strike
Iran’s official news agency IRNA confirmed that civil defence teams had asked residents near the Arak nuclear site to evacuate early in the morning, citing “security concerns.” This helped avoid immediate civilian casualties from the direct hit. Iranian authorities also claimed that there was no radiation leak and that the reactor’s critical systems were safely shut down.
Why Israel Attacked
Israel’s Defence Forces (IDF) released a statement on their official website confirming the operation. They stated the goal was to “neutralise active nuclear threats” from Iran, especially the heavy-water facility in Arak, which Israel believes could eventually support the development of nuclear weapons.
According to the IDF, the operation targeted multiple Iranian nuclear assets, including support facilities near Natanz and Isfahan. The Israeli government has long accused Iran of violating the 2015 nuclear agreement, even after international inspectors were blocked from some sites in recent months.
Official IDF update: https://www.idf.il/en
Rising Tensions and International Reactions
So far, Iranian state media reports over 600 injuries and several deaths across various regions hit by Israeli missiles. While Iran has launched retaliatory missile strikes, Israel’s Iron Dome intercepted most of them. Minor injuries and damage have been reported in Israel’s central and southern cities.
The IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) has issued a statement urging both countries to avoid further escalation and confirmed there was no immediate radiation risk from the Arak reactor.
Official IAEA site: https://www.iaea.org
Summary
On 19 June 2025, Israel Strikes Iran’s Nuclear reactor in Arak just hours after a city-wide evacuation alert was issued. The operation, confirmed by the IDF, is part of Israel’s broader strategy to counter Iran’s suspected nuclear ambitions.
- Event: Israel bombed Iran’s Arak nuclear reactor on 19 June.
- Evacuation: Iran evacuated nearby areas hours before the strike.
- Damage: Iran confirmed no radiation leak; casualties reported in both countries.
- Official Response: IDF confirmed the strike; IAEA monitoring the situation.
