An explosion that struck Iran’s Natanz uranium enrichment site caused a power failure on Sunday. Iranian officials insist that it was a deliberate act of sabotage. And they are suggesting that Israel is responsible.
Reports of Extensive Damage
The Natanz complex has an independent power grid, several backup systems, and many layers of security protection. The facility was supposed to be “attack-proof.”
The heavily fortified site appears to be totally blacked-out. According to the New York Times, a large explosion completely destroyed the internal power system that feeds the underground centrifuges at the Natanz uranium enrichment site.
The explosion is said to be a severe blow to Iran’s ability to enrich uranium. Intelligence sources claim that it could take at least nine months to restore production to Natanz.
The blackout of the Natanz power plant comes less than a year after a fire of unknown origin destroyed an above-ground facility for the assembly of centrifuges.
Iran Celebrates “National Nuclear Day”
On Saturday hours before the explosion at Natanz, Iran celebrated its National Nuclear Day. This is an annual event that showcases the progress in nuclear technology. A music video featured singing nuclear scientists with Iranian flags waving. The scientists were standing beside the new centrifuges and holding photos of assassinated colleagues.
