The Israeli military said on Thursday that it had attacked the Arak nuclear reactor in Iran overnight. It also struck what it called a nuclear weapons development site near the area of Natanz. These attacks are part of Israel’s ongoing military operations during its six-day-long aerial conflict with Iran.

Iran's media confirmed that air defences were activated around the Khondab nuclear facility, which is the current name of the old Arak site. According to Iranian state TV, “two projectiles hit an area close to it.” Officials added that “evacuations were made prior to the strikes, and no risks of radiation or casualties were detected.” There was no report of any damage.

Arak, now called Khondab, houses a partially built heavy-water research reactor. This reactor had its construction stopped under the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and major world powers. At that time, its core was removed and filled with concrete to make it unusable. However, Iran recently informed the United Nations' nuclear watchdog that it plans to start operating the reactor in 2026.

The Israeli military said it specifically targeted “the structure of the reactor's core seal in Arak”, calling it “a key component in plutonium production”. Heavy-water reactors are considered dangerous because they can easily produce plutonium, which can be used to make nuclear weapons.

Natanz is another important site in Iran’s nuclear programme. It includes two uranium enrichment plants. Israel had already targeted it earlier in the conflict.

Iran insists that its nuclear programme is “purely for peaceful purposes”.

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