The United Nations’ nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has said that three major nuclear centers in Iran were not affected by recent airstrikes carried out by Israel. This update came after Iranian officials shared information about the situation.

The IAEA reported that the Fordow, Isfahan, and Bushehr nuclear facilities remain untouched. Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi has been in direct communication with Iranian leaders to confirm the safety of these important sites.

However, the Natanz nuclear facility — the biggest one in Iran — did suffer damage during the attacks. Satellite pictures and videos taken from the ground showed smoke rising above the facility. Still, the IAEA assured that there has been no rise in radiation levels in the area.

Both the Fordow and Natanz facilities are located underground for protection. Fordow is near the city of Qom, about 20 miles away, while Natanz is situated around 150 miles south of Iran’s capital, Tehran.

Iran has made these nuclear sites very secure over time by using strong concrete and special building designs to protect them from possible military attacks. Defense experts say that some of the underground locations have tunnel systems with sharp 90-degree bends, which help reduce the impact of direct strikes