IAEA Director General Grossi: Radiological and chemical contamination occurred at the Natanz nuclear facility

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi addressed the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) regarding Israel's attack on nuclear facilities in Iran.

In his address to the Security Council, Grossi stated that nuclear facilities were also targeted in the Israeli attack on Iran, adding that they are in constant contact with Iran's nuclear regulatory body and are analyzing the status of the nuclear facilities and the general security situation.

Stating that only the fuel enrichment facility in the city of Natanz was initially targeted in today's attacks, Grossi said, "This site houses both the main fuel enrichment plant and the pilot fuel enrichment plant. The above-ground section of the pilot fuel enrichment plant in Natanz, where Iran enriches Uranium-235 to 60 percent, was destroyed. The facility's electrical infrastructure, electrical substation, main power supply building, emergency power supply, and backup generators were also destroyed."

"RADIOLOGICAL AND CHEMICAL CONTAMINATION OCCURRED"

Emphasizing that there is no indication of a physical attack on the underground section of the facility, which contains the pilot and main enrichment plants, Grossi said, "No changes in radioactivity levels have been observed outside the Natanz site. This indicates that the incident has had no radiological impact on the public or the environment. However, as a result of the attack, radiological and chemical contamination has occurred inside the Natanz facilities," adding that the radiation within the facility could be contained through protective measures.

TWO MORE FACILITIES ATTACKED

Explaining that Iranian authorities announced that attacks were carried out on two other facilities, including the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant, Grossi stated, "At this stage, we do not have sufficient information beyond findings indicating military activity around these facilities. The information we currently have is only that these facilities were not part of the initial military operation, but they are now also a source of concern."

NUCLEAR FACILITY WARNING

Grossi stated, "All these developments are extremely concerning. I have repeatedly stated that, regardless of the situation or circumstances, nuclear facilities must never be targeted. Because such attacks can cause harm to both people and the environment."

The IAEA Director General pointed out that any armed attack or threat against nuclear facilities serving peaceful purposes is a violation of international law. Grossi said, "I call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint to prevent further escalation of tensions. I want to emphasize once again that any military action that jeopardizes the safety and security of nuclear facilities could have dire consequences for the Iranian people, the region, and beyond."

News Source: İHA