VIENNA: The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief on Monday warned that attacks near Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant “could cause a severe radiological accident with harmful consequences for people and the environment in Iran and beyond”.
The UN nuclear watchdog said its assessment was based on independent analysis of new satellite imagery dated April 5 and its detailed knowledge of the site.
“Based on its independent analysis of new satellite imagery and detailed knowledge of the site, the IAEA can confirm recent impacts of military strikes close to Iran’s Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP),” the agency said in a statement posted on X.
The agency confirmed that one strike had hit just 75 metres from the perimeter of the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant.
The IAEA said the plant itself had not been damaged. “The BNPP itself has not been damaged, the IAEA’s analysis of the 5 April imagery shows,” IAEA stated.
Based on its independent analysis of new satellite imagery and detailed knowledge of the site, the IAEA can confirm recent impacts of military strikes close to Iran’s Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP), including one just 75 metres from the site perimeter. The BNPP itself has not… pic.twitter.com/zWpp3IaFLW
— IAEA – International Atomic Energy Agency ⚛️ (@iaeaorg) April 6, 2026
Strikes near sensitive nuclear site
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi warned that the proximity of the strikes posed a serious threat to nuclear safety.
“Continued military activity near the BNPP — an operating plant with large amounts of nuclear fuel — could cause a severe radiological accident with harmful consequences for people and the environment in Iran and beyond,” he said.
Grossi stressed that regardless of the nature of the intended targets, such attacks posed a “very real danger” and must stop. He reiterated that nuclear facilities and surrounding areas should never be struck.
The IAEA chief also renewed his call for all parties to fully respect the IAEA’s “7 indispensable pillars” for ensuring nuclear safety and security during conflict.
“A nuclear facility and surrounding areas should never be struck,” the IAEA chief said.
Fourth incident in recent weeks
On Saturday, the IAEA said it had been informed by Iran that a projectile had struck close to the plant’s premises.
The agency described the incident as the fourth such occurrence in recent weeks.
According to information provided by Iranian authorities, a member of the plant’s physical protection staff was killed by a projectile fragment, the IAEA said.
A building on site was also affected by shockwaves and debris.
The IAEA has been informed by Iran that a projectile struck close to the premises of the Bushehr NPP this morning, the fourth such incident in recent weeks. Iran also informed the IAEA that one of the site’s physical protection staff members was killed by a projectile fragment… pic.twitter.com/Iclv7QueMi
— IAEA – International Atomic Energy Agency ⚛️ (@iaeaorg) April 4, 2026
No increase in radiation levels has been reported following the incidents, the agency said.
The previous strike occurred on March 18, when a structure about 350 metres from the reactor was hit and destroyed. No damage to the reactor or injuries were reported at that time.
Grossi has repeatedly warned that even strikes on auxiliary buildings could be dangerous, as such structures may house critical safety systems.
WHO warns of long-term health impact
The World Health Organization also raised alarm over the safety of nuclear installations in Iran.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Sunday that any strike on such facilities could have devastating long-term consequences.
“A strike could trigger a nuclear accident, with health impacts that would devastate generations,” he said in a post on X, calling for immediate de-escalation.
I join the @iaeaorg in raising the alarm again over the safety of nuclear facilities in #Iran.
The latest incident involving the Bushehr nuclear power plant is a stark reminder: a strike could trigger a nuclear accident, with health impacts that would devastate generations.… https://t.co/mvFRC23EpT
— Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) April 5, 2026
The IAEA reiterated its appeal for maximum military restraint to reduce the risk of a nuclear accident.
Grossi said adherence to established nuclear safety principles was of “paramount importance” during conflict.
He again stressed that nuclear power plants and nearby infrastructure must not be targeted under any circumstances.
