Iran confirmed air strikes hit multiple nuclear sites Friday, hours after Israel vowed to escalate attacks on Tehran’s weapons infrastructure.
The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran said a uranium processing plant in Ardakan, Yazd province, was targeted but reported no radioactive release. State media also confirmed strikes on the Khondab Heavy Water Complex in Markazi province and a yellowcake production facility-key components in Iran’s nuclear fuel cycle.
Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz accused Iran of “war crimes” and said Israeli forces struck missile production sites “in the heart of Tehran” and storage facilities in western Iran. Air raid sirens blared across Israel amid daily interceptions of Iranian missiles.
The violence unfolds as President Donald Trump claims peace talks are progressing. The U.S. has floated a 15-point ceasefire plan demanding Iran relinquish control of the Strait of Hormuz-a critical oil chokepoint. Trump extended his ultimatum for Iran to reopen the strait from March 27 to April 6, citing Tehran’s request for more time.
But Iran’s Revolutionary Guards warned civilians to avoid areas near U.S. forces, signaling no de-escalation. Tehran insists any deal must reflect its terms, even as markets reel from widening regional instability.