The Tammuz Reactor and Operation Opera (1981)

Abstract

Iraq achieved a significant turning point in its military development after successfully launching its nuclear energy project, following an agreement with the Soviet Union on September 30, 1959, to establish a nuclear reactor. This agreement came after the United States withdrew from the project due to Iraq’s exit from the Baghdad Pact. To advance its nuclear and atomic technology, Iraq sent its technical and engineering personnel to the Soviet Union for training. Additionally, during the 1970s, Iraq pursued a policy of diversifying its arms sources, acquiring a variety of weaponry from France. As part of this collaboration, France sold Iraq the Tammuz-1 (Osirak) reactor, which Iraq intended to use for plutonium production with French assistance, a process that could potentially contribute to nuclear weapons development.

This development alarmed the Zionist entity, as Iraq’s nuclear program was perceived as a serious threat to its security and interests. Consequently, Israeli military and political leadership considered the reactor a critical strategic target and deemed its destruction or disruption an imperative. The Tammuz reactor was subjected to two aerial military strikes:

The first attack was carried out by Iran, causing minor damage but leading to a temporary halt in operations. Following this, France expedited Iraq’s acquisition of all necessary components for reactor rehabilitation.

The second attack was executed by the Zionist entity, an operation known by several names, including Operation Opera, Operation Babylon, or the Strike on the Tammuz Reactor.