Washington, D.C., March 3 (ANI): The Institute for the Study of War, an international policy research organization, said US-Israeli strikes in Iran on Monday targeted the Natanz nuclear facility, causing severe damage to at least three buildings.
In a series of posts on X, the institute said the combined US-Israeli force continued efforts to degrade Iranian air defenses to maintain air superiority over western Iran and Tehran.
“The combined force struck the Natanz nuclear facility in Esfahan Province on March 2, marking the first attack on an Iranian nuclear site since the start of the US-Israeli campaign on February 28. An Israeli analyst, citing March 2 satellite imagery, reported that strikes targeted Natanz and severely damaged at least three buildings,” the post stated.
The analysis also noted that several airstrikes on March 2 targeted Iranian internal security sites responsible for maintaining order, suppressing protests, and disseminating regime propaganda.
In a separate post, the institute said the Israel Defense Forces continued conducting airstrikes against Hezbollah military sites and institutions in Lebanon on March 2, degrading the group’s ability to carry out retaliatory attacks against Israel. It reported that more than 70 Hezbollah weapons depots, launch sites, and launchers in southern Lebanon were struck.
The think tank also stated that several attacks on March 1 and 2 targeted Iranian-backed Iraqi militias in Iraq.
According to the institute’s assessment, Iran is attempting to disrupt international shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and is likely seeking to pressure Gulf states to push the United States and Israel to end their operations.
The developments come amid an escalating conflict in West Asia involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, following a large-scale military offensive launched on February 28.
In a coordinated operation referred to as Operation Epic Fury and Roaring Lion, US and Israeli forces carried out extensive air and missile strikes across Iran, targeting military sites, nuclear-related infrastructure, and leadership compounds.
In response, Iran launched ballistic missiles and drones at US assets and regional allies, including Israel, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Jordan, widening the conflict and increasing risks for civilians and expatriates.
World leaders and international organizations have urged de-escalation as concerns grow over a broader regional conflict, though fighting continues with no clear resolution in sight. (ANI)
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