Israel Strikes Iran's Arak Nuclear Reactor; India Evacuates 110 Students
Amid escalating conflict, Israel reportedly struck Iran's Arak heavy water nuclear reactor on June 19, 2025, after warning of the attack. Iranian state TV claimed no radiation danger. Concurrently, India successfully evacuated 110 of its students from Iran via Armenia under 'Operation Sindhu'. The first flight landed in Delhi, bringing relief to students, primarily from Urmia University, who faced critical situations. Further evacuations are planned from the region.
Unpacked:
The Arak heavy water reactor is key to Iran's potential plutonium production, which could be used for nuclear weapons if reprocessed. Targeting it is seen as a move to hinder Iran’s ability to develop nuclear arms, though Iran claims its nuclear activities are for peaceful purposes.
The Israel-Iran conflict has heightened regional instability, with concerns about escalation involving Iranian-backed groups like Hezbollah. Israeli strikes can weaken such groups, but there is a risk that further escalation could draw in more actors and destabilize the Middle East.
India likely used Armenia as a safe transit point due to its proximity and relative safety compared to Iran, especially amid heightened military tensions. Armenia provides a secure route for evacuation flights, enabling India to quickly and safely extract its citizens.[Summary]
As of June 19, 2025, there are no widely reported official international responses in the search results. Generally, such actions prompt concern about escalation, calls for restraint, and worries about nuclear safety, even if immediate radiation risk is denied by Iranian officials.