The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) addressed an urgent session of the agency’s Board of Governors on Monday, emphasizing that there is currently no evidence to suggest that recent military actions by the United States and Israel have caused any harm to Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. Despite these reassurances, the agency’s chief underscored the ongoing and significant risks to nuclear safety throughout the Middle East, a region already fraught with geopolitical tensions.
During his detailed briefing to the 35-member board, Director General Rafael Grossi revealed that the IAEA had promptly activated its Incident and Emergency Centre. This move was aimed at closely monitoring any potential radiological consequences arising from the escalating conflict in the region. Grossi made it clear that, as of now, there are no signs of damage to key nuclear sites in Iran, including the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant and the Tehran Research Reactor, which remain fully operational and unaffected by the reported strikes.
However, Grossi also highlighted a concerning communication gap, noting that efforts to establish contact with Iran’s nuclear regulatory authorities have so far been unsuccessful. This lack of response adds a layer of uncertainty to the situation, complicating the agency’s ability to fully assess the status of Iran’s nuclear facilities. Meanwhile, the IAEA’s regional safety monitoring network has been placed on high alert, continuously scanning for any abnormal radiation levels. So far, no readings above normal background levels have been detected in neighboring countries, providing some reassurance about the immediate safety of the surrounding areas.
Expanding on the broader context, Grossi reminded the board that the Middle East is home to a variety of nuclear installations beyond Iran, including operational power plants, research reactors, and fuel storage sites. For instance, the United Arab Emirates operates four nuclear reactors, while Jordan and Syria maintain research reactors. Several other Gulf states also utilize nuclear technology for various applications. This complex nuclear landscape significantly raises the stakes, as any military escalation involving these facilities could have devastating cross-border consequences.
Grossi strongly condemned any armed attacks targeting nuclear sites, stressing that such actions could trigger the release of radioactive materials with severe humanitarian and environmental impacts. He referenced previous resolutions from the IAEA’s General Conference, which explicitly warn against military strikes on nuclear infrastructure. The agency chief called for “maximum restraint” from all parties involved and urged a renewed commitment to diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons capabilities.
In contrast to the IAEA’s assessment, Iran’s ambassador to the agency accused US and Israeli forces of conducting an attack on Iranian nuclear facilities just a day prior. When pressed for details, the ambassador specifically identified the Natanz nuclear site as the location targeted in the alleged strike. This conflicting narrative between Tehran and the IAEA underscores the uncertainty surrounding the true impact of recent military operations and highlights the fragile nature of nuclear safety in an already volatile region.
Grossi concluded by reaffirming the IAEA’s readiness to provide immediate technical support and emergency response should any radiological incident occur. He warned that a serious breach at any nuclear facility could necessitate large-scale evacuations and pose grave risks to civilian populations. The situation remains fluid, and the international community continues to watch closely as developments unfold, hoping for a peaceful resolution that prioritizes nuclear safety and regional stability.
