Israel Bombs Iran Nuclear Supply Chain: Arak Reactor and Ardakan Yellowcake
On Day 28, the IAF struck Iran's heavy water reactor and its sole yellowcake plant — severing both plutonium and uranium enrichment pathways
The Israeli Air Force struck two foundational nodes of Iran's nuclear program on 27 March 2026. In central Iran, the IAF bombed the Arak IR-40 heavy water research reactor — described by the IDF as 'key infrastructure for producing plutonium for nuclear weapons.' The reactor had been struck in June 2025 and partially reconstructed; the IDF cited 'repeated reconstruction attempts' as justification. Northwest of Yazd, the IAF struck the Ardakan yellowcake production facility — Iran's sole plant converting uranium ore into enrichment feedstock. The IDF called it 'the only one of its kind in Iran.' The IAEA confirmed no radiation release. Both strikes were confirmed by Iran's Atomic Energy Organization.
Key facts
- •Arak IR-40 reactor struck — 2nd strike; IDF: key infrastructure for plutonium production
- •Ardakan yellowcake plant bombed — only one of its kind in Iran; sole uranium feedstock facility
- •IAEA DG Grossi: called for military restraint to avoid nuclear accident
- •IAEA confirmed: no radiation release outside Ardakan facility
- •IDF issued pre-strike civilian evacuation warning via @IDFFarsi
Timeline
IDF urgent evacuation warning for Arak/Kheirabad via @IDFFarsi
IAF strikes Arak IR-40 reactor — plutonium production infrastructure
IAF strikes Ardakan yellowcake plant — sole uranium feedstock facility
IAEA calls for restraint; confirms no radiation at Ardakan
Iran FM Araghchi vows HEAVY price for nuclear and industrial strikes