Key Points:
- Rafael Grossi warns of potential radiological disaster risk.
- Bushehr is Iran’s only operational nuclear power facility.
- Damage could affect large areas within Iran and beyond.
- IAEA urges maximum restraint amid ongoing regional conflict.
- Agency stresses adherence to nuclear safety and security pillars.
ISLAMABAD: The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has raised alarm over reported military strikes near Iran’s Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, warning of the risk of a potential radiological disaster amid ongoing regional tensions.
In a statement posted on X, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi expressed “deep concern” about recent attacks said to have taken place near the facility, including an incident reported on Tuesday evening.
Grossi cautioned that Bushehr is an operational nuclear power plant containing significant amounts of nuclear material, and any damage to the facility could trigger a major radiological accident. Such an incident, he warned, could have far-reaching consequences, affecting not only large parts of Iran but also neighbouring countries.
He reiterated his call for “maximum restraint” by all parties involved in the conflict to avoid escalation that could compromise nuclear safety. Grossi also stressed the importance of adhering to the IAEA’s “seven indispensable pillars” for ensuring nuclear safety and security during armed conflict.
Potential radiological threats
The Bushehr facility, Iran’s only operational nuclear power plant, has long been considered a sensitive site due to its strategic and environmental significance. The plant supplies electricity to thousands of homes, making its uninterrupted and safe operation critical for the region.
Experts warn that any strike on or near an active nuclear facility carries risks beyond immediate damage, including potential radiation leaks, environmental contamination, and long-term public health consequences. While there has been no confirmation of direct damage to the plant, the proximity of military activity has heightened fears among international observers.
The IAEA has consistently emphasised that nuclear facilities must not become targets in conflicts, underscoring the catastrophic humanitarian and environmental consequences that could follow. The agency has previously issued similar warnings during conflicts in Ukraine, highlighting the global nature of nuclear safety concerns in war zones.
