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The Natanz nuclear facility in Iran has once again gained prominence after Israeli strikes here by the Israeli forces. Over the years, Israel has repeatedly targeted Natanz, believing it to be the core of Iran’s nuclear weapons program.

Some observers draw comparisons between Natanz and "Kirana Hills" near Pakistan’s Sargodha Airbase in Punjab province—believed to be a major storage site for Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal.

Pakistan's nuclear facility hit the headlines recently when India launched an anti-terror offensive, Operation Sindoor in retaliation to the April 22 Pahalgam terrorist attack. 

What Is Natanz, and Why Is It So Important?

Located in Iran’s Isfahan province, Natanz is a key nuclear facility and the epicentre of the country’s uranium enrichment efforts. The site is divided into two main sections:

Fuel Enrichment Plant (FEP): This underground facility is designed to house up to 50,000 centrifuges. Currently, it operates around 14,000 centrifuges, of which 11,000 are active. These enrich uranium to up to 5% purity.

Pilot Fuel Enrichment Plant (PFEP): Situated above ground, this smaller facility contains several hundred centrifuges capable of enriching uranium to 60% purity—dangerously close to the 90% enrichment level required for nuclear weapons.

Natanz is often referred to as the “heart” of Iran’s nuclear program, having produced the majority of the country’s enriched uranium in recent years. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Iran has now stockpiled enough enriched uranium to potentially build a nuclear weapon within weeks.

Strategic Location and Security Concerns

Though the name "Kirana Hills" isn't officially linked to Iran’s nuclear efforts, it’s used metaphorically to draw parallels with Pakistan’s nuclear storage infrastructure. Natanz lies near the Zagros Mountains, and its underground design is specifically engineered to protect it from aerial attacks.

Some analysts equate Natanz to Pakistan’s Kirana plant, which in the 1980s was referred to as "Kirana Hills" during the country’s nuclear development phase. These comparisons highlight both the physical and strategic similarities between the sites.

Israel’s Targeted Strikes on Natanz

Israel has long viewed Iran’s nuclear ambitions as a direct threat to its national security. Israeli officials believe Iran is actively pursuing nuclear weapons capabilities, which could one day be used against them. As a result, Israel has carried out multiple covert and cyber operations targeting Natanz over the years.

The repeated strikes underscore the high-stakes nature of the region’s nuclear dynamics and reflect Israel’s commitment to preventing Iran from becoming a nuclear-armed state.