The head of the UN nuclear watchdog warned Monday that attacks near Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant pose a serious risk to nuclear safety.
International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Grossi said strikes close to the facility could trigger a radiological accident affecting people and the environment beyond Iran.
The Bushehr plant in southern Iran, the country’s only operational nuclear reactor, has reportedly been targeted four times since the US-Israeli conflict began.
Satellite imagery analysed by the IAEA confirmed the latest strike near the site but found no damage to the reactor or critical infrastructure.
Grossi said one strike landed just 75 metres from the plant’s perimeter, stressing that nuclear facilities must never be military targets.
Russia, whose specialists help operate the plant, warned the attacks risk a radiological disaster and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities.
Russian media reported that 198 workers were evacuated after the latest strike, while about 100 Russian staff remained at the facility.UN watchdog warns strikes near Bushehr risk nuclear safety