Israel Issues Evacuation Warnings Near Iran's Arak Nuclear Reactor Amid Ongoing Strikes

The Israeli Defense Forces have issued warnings for civilians to evacuate areas near Iran's Arak heavy water reactor and other military sites, indicating potential imminent strikes to disrupt Iran's nuclear program. The Arak reactor, which produces plutonium as a byproduct that could be used for nuclear weapons, was part of the 2015 nuclear deal requiring redesign to limit proliferation risks, but Iran's restrictions on International Atomic Energy Agency inspections have raised concerns. Israel's recent airstrikes have targeted multiple Iranian nuclear facilities and resulted in casualties on both sides, with significant missile and drone retaliations from Iran causing deaths and injuries in Israel. President Donald Trump has reaffirmed his stance against Iran acquiring nuclear weapons and is reportedly considering U.S. involvement in the conflict, though he has not made a final decision. The escalating conflict reflects ongoing tensions over Iran's nuclear ambitions despite efforts by other world powers to contain them after the U.S. withdrawal from the 2015 deal under Trump's administration. The International Atomic Energy Agency continues to urge caution and has expressed concern over the loss of inspection access to Iran's nuclear sites.