UN Nuclear Watchdog Reports Major Damage at Iranian Heavy Water Plant

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has confirmed that Iran’s heavy water production facility at Khondab has sustained severe damage following reported strikes on 27 March and is now no longer operational, according to analysis of satellite imagery and site knowledge.

In its assessment, the UN nuclear watchdog said the facility had suffered extensive destruction, rendering it inoperable. The agency also noted that the installation contained no declared nuclear material at the time of the incident.

The Khondab site, which is associated with Iran’s heavy water production infrastructure, has been closely monitored in previous years due to its role in Iran’s nuclear programme. However, the IAEA reiterated that the affected installation itself does not hold nuclear material subject to safeguards.

Further technical evaluations based on satellite imagery indicate that the damage is severe and consistent with a shutdown of operational capability at the site. The IAEA continues to monitor the situation in coordination with available data and reports from the region.