The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said it believed Israeli airstrikes on Iran's uranium enrichment facility at Natanz had a “direct impact” on the facility's underground centrifuge rooms.
The strikes were part of an air campaign Israel launched against its longtime foe five days ago, targeting Iran's military and nuclear programs.
It is the first time the UN nuclear watchdog has assessed the impact of attacks on underground sites at Natanz, where Iran's main nuclear enrichment facility is located.
“Based on ongoing analysis of high-quality satellite imagery obtained since Friday's attacks, the IAEA has found additional evidence indicating a direct impact on the underground uranium enrichment facilities at Natanz,” the agency said.
The above-ground enrichment complex had already been destroyed, as had the electrical equipment that ensured its operation.
Israel continued its bombing campaign against Iran on Tuesday, while US President Donald Trump issued an alarming message calling on residents of Tehran to evacuate.
“Iran must not have nuclear weapons,” Mr Trump tweeted on Monday evening before his early return to Washington from the G7 summit in Canada.
“Everyone should leave Tehran immediately!” he added.
Mr Trump later denied that he was rushing to return to cease-fire talks, telling reporters on Air Force One during a flight back to Washington: “I'm not looking at a cease-fire. We're looking at more than just a cease-fire.”
Asked why he called for the evacuation of Tehran, he replied: “I just want people to be safe.”
Earlier, the Israeli military called for the evacuation of about 330,000 residents of central Tehran.
Tehran is one of the largest cities in the Middle East, with a population of about 10 million, roughly the size of Israel. People have been leaving the city since the fighting began.
Israel says its sweeping offensive against Iran's top military brass, nuclear scientists, uranium enrichment facilities and ballistic missile program is necessary to prevent its long-time adversary from getting close to developing nuclear weapons.
Attacks in Iran since Friday have killed at least 224 people and injured 1,277.
Iran responded by launching more than 370 missiles and hundreds of drones at Israel.
So far, 24 people have been killed and more than 500 injured in Israel. The Israeli military said more rockets were fired on Tuesday and explosions were heard in northern Israel.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
