New satellite imagery has revealed the scale of destruction from Israel’s latest wave of air strikes on Iran, with some of the country’s most sensitive nuclear and missile factories hit. Our analysis shows that at least two of Iran’s five key nuclear sites suffered significant damage, raising concerns about the potential risk of contamination.
So, what exactly was struck, and is there a risk of a nuclear leak?
Since the attacks directly on nuclear energy sites, UN watchdog the International Atomic Energy Agency has warned of a risk of radiological or chemical contamination due to the attacks.
However, radiation levels outside the factories currently remain within normal limits, and no leak has been detected.
Although the strikes primarily focused on military and nuclear infrastructure, the civilian toll is rising. Iran’s Health Ministry has confirmed that at least 224 people have been killed and more than 1,200 injured in the wave of Israeli attacks, figures that underline the human cost beyond military or energy targets.
Natanz nuclear enrichment plant
One of the most heavily struck sites was Natanz, a factory at the heart of Iran’s uranium enrichment programme. Satellite images captured on June 14 show damage to at least five structures at the complex, where thousands of centrifuges are housed. These centrifuges are used to enrich uranium, a key material for civilian nuclear energy but also a potential pathway to developing nuclear weapons.
Before and after images show at least five damaged structures. Satellite footage from June 14 reveals direct hits to areas previously containing advanced centrifuges. Plumes of black smoke seen in social media videos on June 13 corroborate the timing and severity of the strike.
Over the past three years, Natanz has been the site where Iran has produced most of its enriched uranium stockpile, including quantities enriched to near weapons-grade levels. This has brought the country significantly closer to the technical threshold required to build a nuclear weapon, according to western intelligence assessments.
The IAEA has since confirmed “direct impacts” on underground enrichment halls is a significant development. Although radiation levels remain normal, UN inspectors have raised concerns about potential chemical or radiological contamination within the complex.
North Tabriz military site
The Tabriz complex in north-western Iran is believed to be the country’s second-largest major missile base with underground silos. Its location suggests that parts of eastern and central Europe could be within range of missiles launched from the site. According to the Nuclear Threat Initiative, the base appears to house mobile launchers for Shahab-1, Shahab-2 and possibly Shahab-3 ballistic missiles. Also believed to be present are two reinforced silos, thought to contain Shahab-2 or Shahab-3 missiles. The surrounding mountainous terrain and hardened structures are designed to protect the missiles in the event of an attack. Israeli sources estimate the launch area covers about 50,000 square kilometres.
The nearby Tabriz International Airport was also struck by Israel, with images showing significant damage to runways.
Kermanshah: IRGC tunnel complex hit
Another set of newly published satellite images shows extensive damage to another missile base run by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps near the western province of Kermanshah. A close-up from the base shows damage to the entrance, believed to lead to an underground missiles storage centre.
The full impact on Iran's military is yet to be determined, but the latest images strongly suggest that Israel's strikes have been successful in hindering at least part of Tehran's missile capability.
Storage warehouse
Not all targets are known military sites or nuclear factories. Social media footage geolocated by The National shows a huge explosion at a named warehouse located north of Shahin Shahr in Isfahan.
Centrifuges the target
The IAEA has confirmed Israel hit the Natanz's underground centrifuge halls and two other centrifuge production factories.
But what is the significance, and why are centrifuges an essential component of nuclear energy?
On June 9, the Institute for Science and International Security published a study summarising information in the IAEA's quarterly report.
The document stated that as of May 17, Iran had more than 14,500 advanced centrifuges installed at the Natanz and Fordow fuel enrichment plants. It said Iran was undertaking “the near-final step” of breaking out from the restrictions of the 2015 nuclear agreement, converting its 20 per cent stock of enriched uranium into 60 per cent enriched uranium at a greatly expanded rate.
Although Israel appears to have successfully degraded Iran’s ability to rapidly scale up a nuclear breakout or missile use in the short term, such losses do not appear irrecoverable. Iran has demonstrated resilience and redundancy over the decades across its nuclear infrastructure, often dispersing key assets and maintaining deep underground factories specifically to survive such attacks.
The IAEA has called for calm and access to inspect affected sites. For now, satellite imagery remains one of the few reliable ways to track the scale and precision of these strikes. The picture that’s emerging is clear: Israel has delivered a major tactical blow to Iran’s infrastructure, but the long-term consequences, both strategic and environmental, are not yet known.
Essentials
The flights
Emirates, Etihad and Malaysia Airlines all fly direct from the UAE to Kuala Lumpur and on to Penang from about Dh2,300 return, including taxes.
Where to stay
In Kuala Lumpur, Element is a recently opened, futuristic hotel high up in a Norman Foster-designed skyscraper. Rooms cost from Dh400 per night, including taxes. Hotel Stripes, also in KL, is a great value design hotel, with an infinity rooftop pool. Rooms cost from Dh310, including taxes.
In Penang, Ren i Tang is a boutique b&b in what was once an ancient Chinese Medicine Hall in the centre of Little India. Rooms cost from Dh220, including taxes.
23 Love Lane in Penang is a luxury boutique heritage hotel in a converted mansion, with private tropical gardens. Rooms cost from Dh400, including taxes.
In Langkawi, Temple Tree is a unique architectural villa hotel consisting of antique houses from all across Malaysia. Rooms cost from Dh350, including taxes.
The studios taking part (so far)
- Punch
- Vogue Fitness
- Sweat
- Bodytree Studio
- The Hot House
- The Room
- Inspire Sports (Ladies Only)
- Cryo
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New Zealand T20 squad
New Zealand T20 squad: Tim Southee (captain), Finn Allen, Todd Astle, Hamish Bennett, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway (wicketkeeper), Lockie Ferguson, Martin Guptill, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Ish Sodhi, Will Young
Major honours
ARSENAL
BARCELONA
- La Liga - 2013
- Copa del Rey - 2012
- Fifa Club World Cup - 2011
CHELSEA
- Premier League - 2015, 2017
- FA Cup - 2018
- League Cup - 2015
SPAIN
- World Cup - 2010
- European Championship - 2008, 2012
Results:
Men's wheelchair 800m T34: 1. Walid Ktila (TUN) 1.44.79; 2. Mohammed Al Hammadi (UAE) 1.45.88; 3. Isaac Towers (GBR) 1.46.46.
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COMPANY PROFILE
Company name: Letstango.com
Started: June 2013
Founder: Alex Tchablakian
Based: Dubai
Industry: e-commerce
Initial investment: Dh10 million
Investors: Self-funded
Total customers: 300,000 unique customers every month
Visit Abu Dhabi culinary team's top Emirati restaurants in Abu Dhabi
Yadoo’s House Restaurant & Cafe
For the karak and Yoodo's house platter with includes eggs, balaleet, khamir and chebab bread.
Golden Dallah
For the cappuccino, luqaimat and aseeda.
Al Mrzab Restaurant
For the shrimp murabian and Kuwaiti options including Kuwaiti machboos with kebab and spicy sauce.
Al Derwaza
For the fish hubul, regag bread, biryani and special seafood soup.
The years Ramadan fell in May
Fanney Khan
Producer: T-Series, Anil Kapoor Productions, ROMP, Prerna Arora
Director: Atul Manjrekar
Cast: Anil Kapoor, Aishwarya Rai, Rajkummar Rao, Pihu Sand
Rating: 2/5
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
It Was Just an Accident
Director: Jafar Panahi
Stars: Vahid Mobasseri, Mariam Afshari, Ebrahim Azizi, Hadis Pakbaten, Majid Panahi, Mohamad Ali Elyasmehr
Rating: 4/5
More coverage from the Future Forum
Cultural fiesta
What: The Al Burda Festival
When: November 14 (from 10am)
Where: Warehouse421, Abu Dhabi
The Al Burda Festival is a celebration of Islamic art and culture, featuring talks, performances and exhibitions. Organised by the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development, this one-day event opens with a session on the future of Islamic art. With this in mind, it is followed by a number of workshops and “masterclass” sessions in everything from calligraphy and typography to geometry and the origins of Islamic design. There will also be discussions on subjects including ‘Who is the Audience for Islamic Art?’ and ‘New Markets for Islamic Design.’ A live performance from Kuwaiti guitarist Yousif Yaseen should be one of the highlights of the day.
Specs
Engine: Electric motor generating 54.2kWh (Cooper SE and Aceman SE), 64.6kW (Countryman All4 SE)
Power: 218hp (Cooper and Aceman), 313hp (Countryman)
Torque: 330Nm (Cooper and Aceman), 494Nm (Countryman)
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh158,000 (Cooper), Dh168,000 (Aceman), Dh190,000 (Countryman)
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
More from Neighbourhood Watch
Employment lawyer Meriel Schindler of Withers Worldwide shares her tips on achieving equal pay
Do your homework
Make sure that you are being offered a fair salary. There is lots of industry data available, and you can always talk to people who have come out of the organisation. Where I see people coming a cropper is where they haven’t done their homework.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
It’s quite standard to negotiate if you think an offer is on the low side. The job is unlikely to be withdrawn if you ask for money, and if that did happen I’d question whether you want to work for an employer who is so hypersensitive.
Know your worth
Women tend to be a bit more reticent to talk about their achievements. In my experience they need to have more confidence in their own abilities – men will big up what they’ve done to get a pay rise, and to compete women need to turn up the volume.
Work together
If you suspect men in your organisation are being paid more, look your boss in the eye and say, “I want you to assure me that I’m paid equivalent to my peers”. If you’re not getting a straight answer, talk to your peer group and consider taking direct action to fix inequality.
MATCH INFO
Everton 2 (Tosun 9', Doucoure 93')
Rotherham United 1 (Olosunde 56')
Man of the Match Olosunde (Rotherham)
The bio
Job: Coder, website designer and chief executive, Trinet solutions
School: Year 8 pupil at Elite English School in Abu Hail, Deira
Role Models: Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk
Dream City: San Francisco
Hometown: Dubai
City of birth: Thiruvilla, Kerala
The specs
AT4 Ultimate, as tested
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
Power: 420hp
Torque: 623Nm
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)
On sale: Now
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UK-EU trade at a glance
EU fishing vessels guaranteed access to UK waters for 12 years
Co-operation on security initiatives and procurement of defence products
Youth experience scheme to work, study or volunteer in UK and EU countries
Smoother border management with use of e-gates
Cutting red tape on import and export of food
ELIO
Starring: Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldana, Brad Garrett
Directors: Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, Adrian Molina
Rating: 4/5
Racecard
5.25pm: Etihad Museum – Maiden (TB) Dh82,500 (Turf) 1,200m
6pm: Al Shindaga Museum – Handicap (TB) Dh87,500 (Dirt) 1,200m
6.35pm: Poet Al Oqaili – Handicap (TB) Dh95,000 (T) 1,400m
7.10pm: Majlis Ghurfat Al Sheif – Handicap (TB) Dh87,500 (D) 1,600m
7.45pm: Hatta – Handicap (TB) Dh95,000 (T) 1,400m
8.20pm: Al Fahidi – Rated Conditions (TB) Dh87,500 (D) 2,200m
8.55pm: Zabeel Trophy – Rated Conditions (TB) Dh120,000 (T) 1,600m
9.30pm: Coins Museum – Rated Conditions (TB) Dh95,000 (D) 1,600m
10.05pm: Al Quoz Creative – Handicap (TB) Dh95,000 (T) 1,000m
