[Anchor]
Iran claims that the United States has bombed a nuclear power plant construction site. Concerns over an escalation of the conflict are growing.
Jeon Byeong-nam reports from Washington.
[Reporter]
The Iranian government claims that the United States bombed the Darkhovin nuclear power plant in southwestern Iran.
The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran condemned the act, stating, "The U.S. attacked the Darkhovin nuclear plant, a symbol of national dignity and scientific self-reliance," and labeled it a clear violation of international law.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) stated, "The Darkhovin plant is in the early stages of construction, so there is no risk of radiation leakage from the airstrike," while urging an immediate halt to military actions against nuclear facilities.
Previously, President Trump pressured Iran, stating that if it does not reach an agreement this week, he would attack not only bridges but also power plants.
[Chris Wright / U.S. Secretary of Energy: (Trump's goal is) to prevent Iran from possessing nuclear weapons and to ensure it does not threaten neighboring countries, the world, and the global economy. This mission will continue until the objective is achieved.]
An additional U.S. soldier has been killed.
U.S. Central Command announced early this morning (July 20, Korea Standard Time) that "one U.S. soldier was killed while disposing of an unexploded Iranian attack drone in northern Iraq."
As the possibility of an all-out war grows following the consecutive deaths of U.S. soldiers, there is speculation that the U.S. may support Kurdish rebels to launch a ground war or seize Kharg Island, a key economic hub for Iran.
Furthermore, Trump has played the economic pressure card, stating, "The Republican Party should add Iran to the Russia sanctions bill."
Major U.S. media outlets are predicting a worsening situation, using definitive expressions such as "the ceasefire has effectively collapsed" and "we are one step closer to a larger war."
However, some analysts suggest that the escalation of military conflict may also be rooted in diplomatic calculations aimed at breaking the deadlock in peace treaty negotiations.
(Video reporting: Park Eun-ha, Video editing: Jung Sung-hoon, Design: Shim Soo-hyun)
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