IAEA confirms radiation contamination at Iran's Natanz site after Israeli strike, urges restraint and diplomacy

Amid an intense conflict between Israel and Iran, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi has informed the United Nations Security Council that Israel’s recent airstrike on Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility has caused radiological and chemical contamination inside the facilities, though the type of radiation present inside the facility, primarily alpha particles, is manageable with "appropriate" radiation protection measures.

He said the IAEA has been in permanent contact with the Iran Nuclear Regulatory Authority to ascertain the status of relevant nuclear facilities and to assess any wider impacts on nuclear safety and security. "Iran has confirmed that at present, only the Natanz Fuel Enrichment Plant site has been attacked in today’s strikes. This facility contains the Fuel Enrichment Plant and the Pilot Fuel Enrichment Plant. At Natanz, the above-ground part of the Pilot Fuel Enrichment Plant, where Iran was producing uranium enriched up to 60% U-235, has been destroyed. Electricity infrastructure at the facility (electrical sub-station, main electric power supply building, emergency power supply and back-up generators) has been destroyed."

Grossi said there is no indication of a physical attack on the underground cascade hall containing part of the Pilot Fuel Enrichment Plant and the main Fuel Enrichment Plant. However, the loss of power to the cascade hall may have damaged the centrifuges there. "The level of radioactivity outside the Natanz site has remained unchanged and at normal levels, indicating no external radiological impact to the population or the environment from this event. However, due to the impacts, there is radiological and chemical contamination inside the facilities in Natanz. The type of radiation present inside the facility, primarily alpha particles, is manageable with appropriate radiation protection measures."

Iran has also informed IAEA about attacks on its other facilities, the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant; and Esfahan site, where a fuel plate fabrication plant, a fuel manufacturing plant, a uranium conversion facility and an enriched UO2 powder plant are located. "At this moment we do not have enough information beyond indicating that military activity has been taking place around these facilities as well which initially had not been part of military operation."

The global atomic energy agency has said all these developments are deeply concerning. "I have repeatedly stated that nuclear facilities must never be attacked, regardless of the context or circumstances, as it could harm both people and the environment. Such attacks have serious implications for nuclear safety, security and safeguards, as well as regional and international peace and security."

Recalling the numerous General Conference resolutions, the IAEA stated that “any armed attack on and threat against nuclear facilities devoted to peaceful purposes constitutes a violation of the principles of the United Nations Charter, international law and the Statute of the Agency”.

It added that the IAEA has consistently underlined that “armed attacks on nuclear facilities could result in radioactive releases with grave consequences within and beyond the boundaries of the State which has been attacked”.

The International Atomic Energy Agency has called on all parties to exercise maximum restraint to avoid further escalation. "Any military action that jeopardises the safety and security of nuclear facilities risks grave consequences for the people of Iran, the region, and beyond."

The IAEA is continuously monitoring the situation in Iran closely. Its Incident and Emergency Centre (IEC) has maintained continuous contact with Iranian authorities from the onset of the attack, regularly confirming the status of the facilities. It has also established a task force comprising several senior staff members to monitor the situation closely over the next few days.

Grossi says the IAEA is ready to provide technical assistance, and remains committed to its nuclear safety, security and safeguards mandate in all circumstances. He said he has been in contact with their inspectors in Iran and Israel. "The safety of our staff is of paramount importance. All necessary actions are being taken to ensure they are not harmed."

The IAEA is of the opinion that despite the current military actions and heightened tensions, the only sustainable path forward—for Iran, for Israel, the entire region, and the international community—is one grounded in dialogue and diplomacy to ensure peace, stability, and cooperation.