The International Atomic Energy Agency reported that the uranium enrichment plant in Natanz, Iran, suffered “some recent damage” during the US-Israeli strike.
“Based on the latest available satellite imagery, the IAEA can confirm some recent damage to the entrance buildings of Iran’s underground uranium enrichment plant (FEP) in Natanz. No radiation effects are expected, and no additional impact on the plant itself, which was severely damaged during the conflict in June, has been detected,” the IAEA said.
Before the US-Israeli military operation began on February 28, 2026, Washington and Tehran held several rounds of talks on Iran’s nuclear program. Despite statements by Oman as a mediator about “significant progress” and reports that Tehran had agreed not to stockpile enriched uranium, an agreement could not be reached.
On February 28, Israel launched a strike on Tehran. US President Donald Trump later said that the US military had launched a “major combat operation” against Iran to “eliminate imminent threats from the Iranian regime”. He also accused the Iranian authorities of “financing and training” militants in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq and Hamas in Palestine. According to Trump, the operation is aimed at “destroying Iran’s missile industry and navy” and “ensuring that the world cannot be destabilized.”
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps reported launching missiles and drones toward Israel, as well as attacks on American military bases in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
Amid the escalation, French President Emmanuel Macron called for an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council. The European Union stressed its “unwavering commitment to ensuring regional security and stability” in the Middle East.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said it was necessary to give the Iranian people a chance to get rid of the “terrorist regime and guarantee the security of all peoples who have suffered from attacks from Iran.”
On the same day, Trump announced the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. This information was later confirmed by the state news agency IRNA.
On March 1, the IRGC announced the launch of “the most destructive offensive operation in the history of the Islamic Republic” against Israel and “American terrorist bases.” In response, Trump called on Tehran to abandon these plans and threatened a “very strong blow.”
On March 2, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that the next phase of the US military operation against Iran would be even more large-scale and destructive.
