IAEA Confirms Partial Damage at Iran's Natanz Nuclear Site Amid US-Israeli Conflict
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Tehran, March 3 (NationPress) The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported on Tuesday that the entrance buildings at Iran's Natanz nuclear facility have experienced partial damage, as revealed by satellite imagery analyzed over the last two days, indicating the effects of the ongoing US-Israeli bombardment.
"According to the most recent satellite data, the IAEA can confirm some damage to the entrance structures of Iran's underground Natanz Fuel Enrichment Plant (FEP)," the agency shared in a post on X.
"There are no expected radiological consequences and no further impact detected at the FEP itself, which had already suffered significant damage during the conflict in June," it added.
The Natanz facility was a primary target during the previous 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran in June, which escalated to direct involvement from the United States.
Just a day prior, on Monday, the IAEA sought to mitigate reports claiming that nuclear sites in Iran had been targeted in the latest wave of airstrikes.
Nevertheless, Tehran contended that at least one location had incurred damage. While the IAEA Director General mentioned there were no indications of harm to nuclear facilities in Iran from the recent strikes, Iran’s ambassador to the agency insisted that the crucial nuclear site at Natanz had been impacted.
In an extraordinary session of the agency's Board of Governors addressing Iran, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi urged all parties to "exercise maximum restraint to prevent further escalation."
"As for the condition of the nuclear facilities in Iran, we currently have no evidence that any nuclear facilities, including the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, the Tehran Research Reactor, or other nuclear fuel cycle facilities, have been damaged or struck," he stated.
Grossi also noted that the agency has been attempting to contact Iran's nuclear regulatory authorities without receiving any feedback.
"We are reaching out to them but have yet to receive a response," he remarked, highlighting the challenges in obtaining real-time information amidst the escalating conflict.