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Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), warned on Monday that the escalating military conflict between Israel and Iran has heightened the risk of a radiological incident and is obstructing efforts to reach a long-term diplomatic solution to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
Speaking at an emergency IAEA Board of Governors meeting convened at Russia’s request, Grossi said, "The military escalation threatens lives, increases the chance of a radiological release with serious consequences for people and the environment, and delays indispensable work towards a diplomatic solution for the long-term assurance that Iran does not acquire a nuclear weapon."
Grossi urged all parties to exercise "maximum restraint to avoid further escalation." He said the IAEA stands ready to deploy nuclear safety and security experts to affected sites and remains in constant contact with Iranian authorities through its Incident and Emergency Centre.
"I stand ready to travel immediately and engage with all relevant parties to help ensure the protection of nuclear facilities and the continued peaceful use of nuclear technology under the agency mandate," he said.
Grossi confirmed that the Israeli strikes on June 13 destroyed above-ground sections of the Natanz Fuel Enrichment Plant, including the Pilot Fuel Enrichment Plant, where uranium enriched up to 60% was being produced.
However, there has been 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."
The IAEA reported that radiation levels outside Natanz "remained unchanged and at normal levels, indicating no external radiological impact."
Nonetheless, inside Natanz, the IAEA observed both "radiological and chemical contamination." Grossi warned that uranium particles, particularly uranium hexafluoride and fluoride compounds, could pose a health hazard if inhaled or ingested: "This risk can be effectively managed with appropriate protective measures, such as using respiratory protection devices."
At the Isfahan nuclear site, four buildings were damaged, including a central chemical laboratory and a uranium conversion plant. However, Grossi said there had been "no change in off-site radiation levels."
Grossi confirmed that the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant, the under-construction Khondab heavy water reactor, the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, and the Tehran Research Reactor were unaffected by the attacks.
"I acknowledge the cooperation and exchange of information between the Iranian authorities and the IAEA," Grossi said, noting that safeguards inspections in Iran would resume as soon as safety conditions allow.
Iran’s ambassador to the IAEA, Reza Najafi, urged board members to condemn "Israeli aggression in its strongest terms and hold it accountable." He warned, "Otherwise, consequences would be with those appeasing."
Najafi said Iran expected the Board of Governors to take "strong and effective remedial action," warning against a second failure to act.
Grossi emphasized, "For the second time in three years, we are witnessing a dramatic conflict between two IAEA member states in which nuclear installations are coming under fire and nuclear safety is being compromised."
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