Iran atomic sites targeted by diplomacy, sabotage EXPLAINER: While Tehran insists its atomic program is for peaceful purposes, evidence points to the contrary, which has prompted some states to try and reason with Tehran through diplomacy, while others opt for force Associated Press | Published: 04.12.21 , 13:03 Iran's nuclear program has been targeted by diplomatic efforts and sabotage attacks over the last decade, with the latest incident striking its underground Natanz facility. The attack Sunday at Natanz comes as world powers try to negotiate a return by Iran and the U.S. to Tehran's atomic accord. The sabotage threatens to upend those negotiations and further heighten regional tensions across the Mideast.