Israel, US report strikes on Bushehr

According to recent reports from Reuters, Guardian, NYT, and Iranian sources, Israel and the United States conducted joint strikes on February 28, 2026, targeting facilities in Iran's Bushehr province. Among the targets were port installations, energy facilities, and, according to Iranian media, the Bushehr nuclear power plant. Although the reactor was not officially declared a direct target, satellite images show explosions, fires, and power outages near the 1,000 MW reactor, which supplies about 2% of the country's electricity and is Iran's only operational nuclear power plant.

In June 2025, Israel targeted key centrifuges in Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan, yet Bushehr remains a critical component of Iran's nuclear infrastructure. According to Iranian sources, the attacks focused on infrastructure in the Persian Gulf, including gas fields and military garrisons in the region. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has warned of the risk of radiation release and potential catastrophic regional consequences.

In recent statements, U.S. President Trump emphasized that the United States would not allow Iran to restore its nuclear program and mentioned that Bushehr could become a backup source of plutonium for militarization.

Context

In June 2025, Israel launched strikes against centrifuges in Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan, leaving the Bushehr nuclear power plant as the country's only active nuclear facility.