UN agency in contact with Iranian officials to monitor situation
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) director-general Rafael Grossi said there are no elevated radiation levels at the Natanz enrichment facility which had been hit by Israeli airstrikes in the early hours of Friday (13 June).
Grossi said the IAEA is in contact with the Iranian nuclear safety authorities to find out about the status of relevant nuclear facilities and to assess any impacts on nuclear safety and security.
The director-general said Iranian authorities have confirmed damage to the Natanz enrichment site in central Iran, but have reported no impact at the central Esfahan uranium conversion and Fordow enrichment sites.
Israel launched large-scale airstrikes in the early hours of 13 June targeting around 100 sites across Iran, including nuclear facilities in Natanz and Tehran, ballistic missile factories, prominent military installations, and residences of senior commanders.
Grossi described the development “is deeply concerning”, saying that such attacks have “serious implications” for nuclear safety, security and safeguards, as well as regional and international peace and security.
“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,” Grossi told an emergency gathering of the IAEA’s board of governors in Vienna.
“As director-general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, and consistent with the objectives of the IAEA under the IAEA Statute, I call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint to avoid further escalation,” he said.
The IAEA will continue to monitor the situation closely and stands ready to provide technical assistance, said Grossi.
The agency remains committed to its nuclear safety, security and safeguards mandate in all circumstances, he said.
