IAEA Head States That Nuclear Power Plants and Surrounding Areas Must Not Be Attacked

Vienna (ANTARA) - The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) stated on Saturday (4/4) that the location of a nuclear power plant (NPP) and its surrounding area must not be attacked at all, following the fourth attack near Iran’s NPP.

Via the social media platform X, the IAEA stated that, based on information from Iran, a projectile struck an area around the Bushehr NPP on Saturday morning local time. This is the fourth similar incident in the past few weeks, the IAEA said.

A staff member at the site was killed by shrapnel from the projectile, while a building at the location was affected by the shockwave and debris, the IAEA said, quoting Iranian authorities. There are no reports of increased radiation levels, the agency stated.

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi conveyed his deep concern over the incident, emphasising that the location of an NPP or its surrounding area “must not be attacked at all.” He warned that support facility buildings at the site may contain vital safety equipment.

Grossi reiterated the importance of ensuring nuclear safety and security during conflicts, and called for maximum restraint in all military actions to avoid the risk of a nuclear accident.

Iran’s nuclear facilities have been attacked several times since the combined Israel-United States military began its assault on the Middle Eastern country on 28 February.