Satellite Images Reveal US Avoided Striking Iran’s Nuclear Reactors Amid Conflict

Speedy Summary

• satellite images reveal that the US Air Force avoided striking nuclear reactors at Iran’s Isfahan Nuclear Technology and Research Centre during recent attacks on the country’s nuclear program.
• Three research reactors, including one powered by bomb-grade uranium, were left untouched.
• The final assessment of damage from the strikes is pending, according to US officials.
• Four senior officials in vienna highlighted concerns about hitting operational nuclear reactors due to potential precedent and safety risks.
• The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) conducted an emergency session to address these strikes and their implications for global nuclear diplomacy.
• IAEA inspectors demanded clarity from Iran regarding its stockpile of highly enriched uranium. Iran stated that the attacks have severely undermined diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing atomic weapons proliferation.

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Indian Opinion Analysis
The deliberate choice to avoid striking critical reactors at Isfahan underscores a careful balancing act undertaken by military planners amidst escalating tensions between Israel, the United States, and Iran. This restraint may reflect broader considerations of minimizing risks associated with potential contamination or catastrophic consequences from a reactor strike-issues which could amplify regional instability further.

For India, these developments carry significant relevance given its role as a major advocate for non-proliferation and peaceful energy use under international frameworks such as IAEA protocols. Strained diplomatic relations among key global players like those involved here could pose challenges for multilateral cooperation on nuclear policy enforcement-a domain wherein India remains an active contributor.

While India’s stance will likely lean toward supporting peaceful negotiation channels over armed interventions in addressing global nuclear dilemmas, this situation serves as yet another reminder of how interconnected geopolitical decisions can ripple through international security dynamics.Read More