The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has added a new dimension to the discussions on security and geopolitical tension surrounding Iran’s nuclear facilities by officially releasing information about the serious consequences of recent attacks on the country’s nuclear installations
This information, which emerged after several strikes, raises significant concern within the international community, as it involves damage to critical infrastructure of strategic importance to Iran, as well as potential risks to the environment and the country’s population. According to reliable sources, including the IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi, damage to underground facilities in the city of Natanz has been confirmed. Natanz is one of Iran’s main centers for its nuclear program. The report indicates that targeted strikes have caused radiological and chemical contamination of the territory, raising alarms over the potential for an environmental disaster. Grossi, in his address to the UN Security Council, emphasized that Iran confirmed an armed attack on the uranium enrichment facility in Natanz carried out by Israel. Particular attention was drawn to the destruction of the above-ground part of the pilot plant, where Iran was enriching uranium up to 60% U-235 — a process that is one of the key steps in nuclear weapons production. The damage to Natanz’s infrastructure was extensive: the entire above-ground part of the facility, including major technological objects, was destroyed. At the same time, critical energy infrastructure—such as the power substation, main power supply, and backup generators—also sustained substantial damage. It is worth noting that, according to Grossi, the underground complex, including the cascade hall of the pilot plant and main production facilities, remained intact; however, power supply disruptions could have led to damage to the centrifuges operating there. Official reports state that radiation levels outside the facility have not changed significantly and remain within permissible limits. This indicates that there are no immediate risks to the population or the environment. Nevertheless, internal radiological and chemical contamination has been recorded within the complex, including alpha radiation, which poses potential problems for personnel and experts working onsite. Additionally, Iran notified the IAEA of attacks on other sites, including the uranium enrichment plant in Fordo and facilities in Isfahan, where fuel plates and nuclear fuel are produced. The targeted facilities include reprocessing units, enriched uranium powder plants, and other key installations directly related to Iran’s nuclear program. The background of this tense situation dates back to June 13, when Israeli forces carried out large-scale airstrikes on Tehran’s capital and surrounding areas, as well as several other Iranian cities. The Israeli government described its operation as preventive and aimed at destroying Iran’s nuclear and military facilities, along with its defense capabilities. According to Israeli officials, this is part of a strategic effort to prevent the development of nuclear weapons in the Islamic Republic. These strikes, however, resulted in severe consequences, including the death of several high-ranking officials. Reliable sources confirm that among those killed were the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Major General Hussein Salami; the commander of the Khatam al-Anbiya headquarters, Major General Gholamali Rashid; and Iranian armed forces chief Muhammad Bagheri. Several prominent nuclear scientists were also assassinated, significantly complicating Iran’s nuclear activities. The international community expresses deep concern over this series of attacks, which, given their scale and extent of damage, have the potential to significantly impact regional stability and global security. Currently, world leaders are calling for restraint and diplomatic resolution, but the situation remains tense, with many experts warning of possible escalation of violence and further destabilization in the Middle East region.