Why did Israel strike Iran again, this time targeting Fordow underground nuclear facility? Ayatollah Khamenei to address nation

Israel has launched fresh waves of attacks on Iran, this time targeting the Fordow nuclear site, reported the state-run Fars News Agency. Earlier reports cited witnesses hearing loud explosions in the locality.

The fresh round of attacks come as Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is set to address the nation on Iran. It was reported that the air defence system near Khamenei's residence were activated during the Israeli attacks earlier in the day.

Why did Israel strike Fordow nuclear site?

Fordow nuclear facility, which is 32 km northeast of Qom, lies around 100 metre underground. The facility triggered alarm in the past after the US and its European allies found uranium particles were enriched to 83.7 per cent purity in Fordow. This is the key reason for Israel to target the facility.

Israel ambassador to the US Yechiel Leiter said Tel Aviv is committed to guaranteeing there in no nuclear weapons programme left in Iran.

Iranian state media Press TV claimed that Iran's air defences shot down an Israeli drone near Fordow fuel enrichment plant. The outlet also reported that Israel struck the Hamadan Airbase in western Iran and the city of Fardiz in north-central Iran.

This comes after the earlier strike the Natanz nuclear site in Isfahan province in the wee hours on June 13. Justifying the strike on Natanz, Israel Defense Force spokesperson said, "For many years the people of the Iranian regime made an effort to obtain nuclear arms in this facility," adding that it has the required infrastructure to enrich military-grade uranium.

Middle East