VIENNA: The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has called for “maximum military restraint” after Iran reported an attack on its Natanz nuclear facility amid rising tensions involving the United States and Israel.
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) head Rafael Grossi repeated a “call for military restraint to avoid any risk of a nuclear accident”, the agency posted on X.
“The IAEA has been informed by Iran that the Natanz nuclear site was attacked today. No increase in off-site radiation levels reported,” it added.
The IAEA has been informed by Iran that the Natanz nuclear site was attacked today. No increase in off-site radiation levels reported. IAEA is looking into the report.
IAEA Director General @rafaelmgrossi reiterates call for military restraint to avoid any risk of a nuclear… pic.twitter.com/jDCWYbOwao— IAEA – International Atomic Energy Agency ⚛️ (@iaeaorg) March 21, 2026
The agency confirmed it is in contact with Iranian authorities to verify details and evaluate any potential damage or radiation risks. So far, there has been no independent confirmation of the extent of the reported attack.
Earlier, Grossi reiterated that nuclear facilities must never be targeted under any circumstances, emphasiaing that such actions could have catastrophic humanitarian and environmental consequences. He also underscored the importance of dialogue and diplomacy to prevent further escalation.
The development comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions in the region, raising concerns within the international community about the potential for broader conflict. Observers warn that continued hostilities could further destabilise the region and increase the risk of unintended consequences.
The IAEA said it would continue to provide updates as more verified information becomes available.
No radiation leak reported
Iran said its key nuclear facility at Natanz Nuclear Facility was targeted once again in a reported strike by the United States and Israel on Saturday morning however no radioactive leakage was detected.
The Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran said the Shahid Ahmadi Roshan enrichment facility, part of the Natanz complex, was hit in what it described as “criminal attacks.”
The organisation condemned the incident as a violation of international law, including obligations under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and established nuclear safety standards.
Authorities said technical teams from Iran’s Nuclear Safety System Centre carried out detailed assessments to determine any potential risks. According to initial findings, no radioactive leakage was detected, and there is no immediate threat to residents living in surrounding areas.
This marks the latest in a series of reported strikes on Natanz, which was also targeted earlier on March 2. The facility has been a focal point in escalating tensions, having previously been among three nuclear-related sites struck by US actions in June last year, alongside Fordow and Isfahan.
The current conflict intensified on February 28, with US-Israeli strikes prompting retaliatory drone and missile attacks by Tehran aimed at Israeli targets and Gulf regions hosting US military assets.
The situation continues to heighten concerns of a broader regional conflict, as international observers call for restraint and renewed diplomatic engagement to prevent further escalation.
