The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, has informed the United Nations Security Council that Israel’s recent airstrike on Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility has resulted in radioactive and chemical contamination. The announcement marks a critical development in the escalating conflict between the two nations, with growing concerns over regional and environmental safety.

Grossi stated that while Israel’s strike destroyed the above-ground infrastructure of the Natanz facility, the underground uranium enrichment centers appear to be intact. However, he noted that the power disruption at the site could have impacted the sensitive centrifuge systems used in uranium enrichment.

“There is radioactive and chemical contamination at the site,” Grossi confirmed, warning of potential long-term consequences if the situation is not brought under control.

Iranian officials have also reported fresh attacks on other key nuclear installations, including the Fordow and Isfahan facilities, though details on damage and casualties remain limited.

The Iranian government has vowed “decisive retaliation,” further heightening fears of continued military escalation. Meanwhile, international observers are urging restraint and calling for immediate diplomatic engagement to prevent a broader nuclear and humanitarian crisis.

The incident has drawn sharp global attention, with environmental and nuclear safety agencies now involved in assessing the fallout risks. The situation remains volatile as the conflict continues to unfold.

In a dramatic escalation of hostilities, a ballistic missile launched by Iran struck Tel Aviv, causing significant damage and raising alarm across the region. The strike comes amid a rapidly intensifying conflict between Iran and Israel, following Israel’s recent airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites and senior military figures.

Eyewitnesses reported a loud explosion and rising plumes of smoke over central Tel Aviv. Initial assessments suggest the missile successfully penetrated Israel’s advanced multi-layered air defense systems, including the U.S.-made THAAD and the domestically developed Arrow system. This development has raised serious concerns about the effectiveness of these defenses against evolving threats.

The strike is believed to be a direct response to Israel’s unprecedented attacks targeting key Iranian infrastructure and leadership figures. In recent weeks, tensions have escalated sharply, with both sides engaging in high-impact retaliatory actions. Iran’s successful missile strike marks a pivotal moment, signaling a new level of direct confrontation between the two regional powers.

Security analysts warn that the missile impact on an urban center like Tel Aviv represents a serious shift in strategy and risk. The strike’s success may embolden further action and potentially provoke a more expansive military response from Israel, heightening the risk of a broader regional conflict.

The United Nations and major international stakeholders have called for immediate restraint. Diplomatic channels are under pressure to intervene as the tit-for-tat exchanges between Iran and Israel threaten to spiral into a full-scale confrontation involving multiple state and non-state actors.

This incident underscores the fragile security landscape of the Middle East, where longstanding rivalries are now playing out through increasingly direct and destructive means.

Major General Amir Hatami has been appointed as the new Commander of the Army of the Islamic Republic of Iran, following an official decree issued by the Commander-in-Chief, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei. The move marks a significant reshuffling of Iran’s military leadership amid escalating regional tensions.

General Hatami brings decades of experience to the role, having previously served as Iran’s Minister of Defense from 2013 to 2021. In his decree, Ayatollah Khamenei praised Hatami’s “dedication, competence, and experience,” and called for a “transformative and revolutionary approach” in the Army under his command.

“With the Army’s vast pool of capable and faithful personnel, and the experience gained during the Sacred Defense and beyond, it is expected that under your command, efforts to enhance combat readiness, strengthen spiritual and ideological foundations, improve personnel welfare, and boost cooperation with other branches of the Armed Forces will accelerate,” the Supreme Leader stated.

Hatami replaces Major General Seyyed Abdolrahim Mousavi, who has been appointed Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces following the recent assassination of General Mohammad Hossein Bagheri. Ayatollah Khamenei thanked Mousavi for his “sincere and valuable efforts” during his tenure as Army Chief.

The leadership transition occurs at a time of heightened conflict in the region, with Iranian military figures increasingly becoming targets of foreign attacks, particularly in the ongoing hostilities with Israel. The appointment signals continuity as well as a strategic recalibration in Iran’s military leadership as the country responds to evolving threats and regional instability.