IAEA says strikes hit Iranian facilities, no radiation risk detected

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has confirmed that Iran reported fresh strikes on key facilities, including the heavy water production plant at Khondab, but said no radiation risk has been detected. 

In a post on X, the agency stated that the Khondab installation was hit, but emphasised that it contains no declared nuclear material, meaning there is no danger of radioactive release.

Iran also reported that the Khuzestan Steel Production Factory — an industrial site that uses sealed radioactive sources such as Cobalt-60 and Cesium-137 for industrial gauging — was targeted. Authorities said there was no off-site radiation leak and that the facility continues to operate normally.

Earlier, the IAEA had expressed concern over military activity near the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, marking the third such incident in 10 days.

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi warned that damage to a nuclear reactor could trigger a major radiological emergency. Although the operating reactor at Bushehr was not affected and no radiation leak occurred, the developments have raised international safety concerns.

Grossi urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint to avoid the risk of a nuclear accident. The IAEA said it is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with Iranian authorities to verify safety measures and ensure that nuclear materials remain secure.

The latest incidents highlight the risks posed to nuclear and industrial facilities in conflict zones. While the Khondab plant and Khuzestan Steel Factory remain safe, experts caution that repeated targeting of sites involving radioactive materials could lead to serious consequences if not carefully managed.

With inputs from IANS