Iran emboldened by ‘Israeli’ attack on nuclear facility

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region — Iran’s foreign ministry on Monday placed blame on Israel for a Sunday attack on the Natanz uranium enrichment facility, saying the offensive will only strengthen the country’s nuclear activities. 

“This is a crime against humanity which stems from the essence of this wayward Zionist regime,” foreign minister spokesperson Saeed Khatibzadeh said at a press conference, according to a video posted to state-owned IRNA. 

“If this was with the aim to limit the nuclear ability of Iran..it will have the opposite effect,” he added, saying the damaged centrifuges will be replaced with more “advanced ones.”

Multiple Israeli media outlets reported Sunday that an Israeli cyberattack caused the blackout in Natanz. Public broadcaster Kan said the Mossad, Israel’s intelligence service, was behind the attack.

It comes amid renewed talks on the landmark nuclear agreement signed in 2015, designed to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions in return for sanctions relief. Since the US unilaterally withdrew from the agreement in 2018, Iran has taken several steps back from its commitments in the deal, which included a ban on uranium enrichment. 

On Monday, Iran's FM Mohammad Javad Zarif acknowledged that Israel is staunchly opposed to Iran's development of its nuclear abilities, saying it is trying to stall the relative progress made in recent talks on the nuclear deal.

"Now they think that they will achieve their goal," he was quoted by state media as saying. "But the Zionists will get their answer in further nuclear progress."

"Natanz will be stronger than before," Zarif said. Both the FM and his spokesperson said Tehran will take revenge on Israel for the attack.

An Iranian ship in the Red Sea was struck by an explosion on Tuesday, said to be caused by limpet mines. Tehran also alleged Israel was behind the attack.