Netanyahu: Iran begins uranium enrichment at Khoh-Kolang site in Isfahan

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revealed on Thursday that the Iranian regime has initiated uranium enrichment operations at the Khoh-Kolang site in Isfahan. The Prime Minister's statement did not provide a specific timeline for when the activity began or the degree to which the uranium is being enriched. The announcement comes amid heightened regional tension and continued international scrutiny of Iran's nuclear ambitions.

Context of the Isfahan Complex

The Isfahan region has long been a central pillar of Iran's nuclear program. As The Zioneer reported in June 2026, Israeli intelligence previously assessed that a significant portion of Iran's 60% enriched uranium was "entombed" within the ruins of the Isfahan nuclear complex following military operations known as "Operation Rising Lion" and "Operation Midnight Hammer." The identification of Khoh-Kolang as an active enrichment site suggests a potential effort by Tehran to bypass damaged infrastructure or utilize previously undisclosed facilities within the same strategic geography.

Strategic Implications

While the specific enrichment level at Khoh-Kolang remains unconfirmed, the move follows a period of intense diplomatic maneuvering. Earlier this summer, reports indicated that the United States had considered allowing low-level enrichment on Iranian soil as part of a potential memorandum of understanding—a prospect that drew significant disappointment from Israeli officials. The activation of enrichment at a new or reactivated site like Khoh-Kolang may be viewed by Jerusalem as a direct challenge to the red lines established by Israel regarding Iran's nuclear breakout capability.

Monitoring and Verification

At this stage, the picture remains developing. There has been no immediate confirmation from international monitors, such as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), regarding the status of the Khoh-Kolang site. The Prime Minister's public disclosure serves as a signal of Israel's continued intelligence penetration into the Iranian nuclear program, even as Tehran attempts to consolidate its remaining assets following prior strikes on its facilities in Isfahan and Fordow.