The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) warned at a UN Security Council session that recent Israeli attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities have heightened the risk of a radiological disaster, with potential consequences extending beyond Iran’s borders.
Rafael Grossi, Director General of the IAEA, stated in a prepared statement for the second session of the UN Security Council that Israel’s recent attacks on Iran’s regime’s nuclear sites have severely compromised nuclear safety and security in the country.
According to the agency’s report, on June 13, the main fuel enrichment facility at the Natanz site was targeted. Its electrical infrastructure and backup generators were destroyed. The main centrifuge hall was heavily damaged by bunker-busting bombs. Another part of the site, the pilot fuel enrichment facility, was completely destroyed at the surface level, and its underground sections suffered serious damage.
At the Isfahan site, four buildings were damaged, including the central chemical laboratory, the uranium conversion facility, the Tehran reactor fuel production plant, and a uranium metal processing facility that was under construction.
Grossi emphasized that although no increased radiation levels have been reported outside these facilities, chemical and radiological contamination has been detected within some of the sites, including Natanz, posing a risk to personnel.
Serious Threats in Bushehr and Tehran
According to Grossi, the most dangerous scenario involves the Bushehr nuclear power plant, which contains thousands of kilograms of nuclear material and remains operational. A direct attack on the facility or a disruption to its power supply could cause a reactor core meltdown and the release of large quantities of radioactive material.
In Tehran, buildings used for the development and testing of advanced centrifuges were also targeted. At the Karaj workshop, two buildings associated with centrifuge component production were destroyed.
Grossi warned that any attack on active nuclear facilities like Bushehr or the Tehran research reactor could have broad consequences for public health and the environment, potentially necessitating protective measures such as evacuation or the administration of stable iodine.
Grossi stressed that the agency must urgently resume inspections of Iran’s facilities, especially given that over 400 kilograms of Iran’s uranium stockpile is enriched to 60%.
He further warned that any efforts by Iran to safeguard its nuclear materials and equipment must comply with its safeguard’s commitments, and IAEA inspectors must be allowed to verify their integrity and condition.
Grossi also reminded Iran of its responsibility to ensure the safety of inspectors and called on the regime to maintain communication channels with the agency’s inspection teams.
He concluded by stating that the agency stands ready to dispatch its nuclear safety and security experts to Iran and play its vital role in preventing a crisis. He emphasized that a diplomatic solution is still possible and must not be missed.
