Before and after photos of Iran's Arak heavy water reactor following Israeli airstrike
Share and Follow

1

The before and after photos shed light on the damage inflicted on the facility after the Israeli military said it pummeled the nuclear site near Iran’s central city of Arak early Thursday in a targeted attack.

In the aftermath of the blast, one image showed a large crater in the dome of the partially built heavy-water research reactor.

Israel also later released black-and-white footage of the strike on the Arak reactor, which showed the bomb exploding on the dome before a massive plume of fire and smoke erupted into the sky.

Fighter jets targeted the Arak facility and its reactor core seal to halt it from being used to produce plutonium, Israel’s military said.

“The strike targeted the component intended for plutonium production, in order to prevent the reactor from being restored and used for nuclear weapons development,” the Israelis said.

Heavy-water reactors produce plutonium, which — like enriched uranium — can be used to make the core of an atom bomb.

The United Nations’ nuclear watchdog noted that since it was not in operation and contained no nuclear material at the time, there was no danger to the public of any “radiological effects.”

The facility had also been evacuated before the attack, Iranian state television reported.

In the lead up, the Israel Defense Forces had shared an evacuation warning across social media that included a satellite image of the nuclear plant — complete with a red circle blast zone.

“Dear citizens, for your safety and well-being, we urgently request that you immediately evacuate the designated area in Tehran’s Area 18. Your presence in this area puts your life at risk,” the IDF wrote on X.

With Post wires

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Prince Harry is accused of 'copying' William with photo in Canada

Prince Harry Faces Backlash for Alleged Photo Imitation of Prince William During Canada Visit

Prince Harry finds himself under scrutiny once more, this time facing allegations…
Bandaged-up Biden says son Beau ‘should've been the president, not me’ in speech ripping Trump

Biden, Reflecting on Son Beau, Delivers Candid Remarks on Presidential Leadership and Trump

Former President Joe Biden, sporting a new bandage on his head, addressed…
Senate readies key vote on new approach to end shutdown

Senate Prepares Crucial Vote to Resolve Government Shutdown

Today, the Senate is poised to take a vote on a measure…
Democrats consider prolonging the government shutdown as Republicans prepare new bills without health care fix

Democrats Weigh Extending Government Shutdown Amidst GOP’s Health Care-Deficient Legislation Proposals

In an effort to resolve the ongoing government shutdown, Republican senators are…
NYC man charged with raping 15-year-old he met online: DA

New York City Resident Faces Charges for Alleged Online-Initiated Assault on 15-Year-Old: District Attorney Reports

A 24-year-old man from the Bronx is facing serious allegations after reportedly…
Alex Murdaugh slams new true-crime series depicting family's double-murder: 'Misleading portrayals'

Inside the Latest True Crime Unveilings: Alex Murdaugh’s Protest, Bryan Kohberger’s Plan, and a Shocking ‘House of Horrors’ Discovery

Cellebrite on Kohberger’s search for psychopath Heather and Jared Barnhart, experts from…

Chicago Incident: Suspect Apprehended in Stolen Ambulance Pursuit Following Police-Involved Shooting and Crash on West Side | LIVE Coverage

CHICAGO (WLS) — An intense police operation unfolded on Chicago’s West Side…
Paramount insiders blow the lid on actor 'blacklist'

Revealed: Paramount Insiders Expose Secretive Actor Blacklist

Hollywood is buzzing with speculation over a secretive list that has many…