IAEA Chief Warns About Nuclear Safety

(MENAFN) The intensifying military confrontation between Israel and Iran is elevating the danger of potential radioactive leaks and is hindering international attempts to stop the spread of nuclear arms, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) cautioned on Monday.

During an opening address at the agency’s emergency meeting regarding the escalating crisis between Israel and Iran, Mariano Grossi told the board of governors: “There has been no additional damage at the Natanz Fuel Enrichment Plant site since the Friday attack by Israel.”

He noted that radiation levels outside the Natanz compound have stayed constant and remain within safe parameters.

Grossi affirmed that radioactive and chemical contamination has occurred inside the Natanz facility.

Nonetheless, he emphasized that such hazards can be effectively contained with the correct safety protocols.

“No damage has been seen at the site of the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant or at the Khondab heavy water reactor, which is under construction. The Bushehr nuclear power plant has not been targeted nor affected by the recent attacks, and neither has the Tehran Research Reactor.

At the Esfahan nuclear site, four buildings were damaged in Friday’s attack: the central chemical laboratory, a uranium conversion plant, the Tehran reactor fuel manufacturing plant, and the UF4 to EU metal processing facility, which was under construction,” he elaborated.

Stressing that he remains in close contact with the agency’s field inspectors, Grossi affirmed his willingness to travel without delay and engage directly with all involved actors “to help ensure the protection of nuclear facilities and the continued peaceful use of nuclear technology.”

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