Iran-Israel tensions highlight nuclear program April 24, 2024 Tensions between Israel and Iran have turned the spotlight on Tehran's nuclear capabilities. The West accuses Iran of using its civil nuclear program as a cover for developing weapons — which Tehran denies.
Isfahan is at the heart of Iran's nuclear program.

This conversion plant is located outside the city. Powered by three small Chinese-supplied research reactors, it produces fuel for Iran’s civilian nuclear program. Deep underground in the wider province of Isfahan is the Natanz uranium enrichment facility. Western nations say Iran is operating a secret weapons program here. Tehran though denies it is developing a nuclear bomb.
In 2015, after long negotiations, western nations struck a deal with Iran to stop it becoming a nuclear power. Tehran got relief from sanctions, in return for accepting limits on its nuclear activities. Federica Mogherini, former EU Foreign Policy Chief (July 14, 2015): “With courage, political will, mutual respect and leadership, we delivered on what the world was hoping for.” However, the UN nuclear watchdog says Iran is now producing uranium close to weapons-grade levels.
These nuclear facilities are tempting targets for opponents of the Iranian regime. In 2010, a computer virus crippled operations at Natanz. No one has ever accepted resonsibility. But many believed the virus was developed by the US and Israel. Natanz was again the target in 2021. The power went out here, setting enrichment back by months. Iran called it an act of nuclear sabotage — and blamed Israel. Tehran says the site here is safe and undamaged following Israel’s strike.