US, Israel Bombed Nuclear Bases, Claims Iran; No Confirmation From IAEA

Tehran: Iran's ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has come up with a sensational claim. The Iranian envoy has said that America and Israel have bombed nuclear facilities in Iran. However, the global nuclear watchdog has said that no signs of such an attack have been found.

The Iranian envoy has said that the US and Israel carrid out the attacks of Iran's nuclear facilities on Sunday. However, the head of the UN nuclear watchdog said there was no evidence that any nuclear sites were damaged in the reported attacks.

What did the IAEA say on Iran's claims? 

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi told the agency's 35-member Board of Governors on Monday that the agency had "no indication that any nuclear installation has been damaged or attacked." In fact, when the Iranian Ambassador was asked which nuclear facility in Iran was attacked, he said that Israel and America have attacked the Natanz Nuclear Facility.

Grossi urged Iran and other concerned parties to exercise utmost restraint in all military operations. In view of the increasing tension in the region, the nuclear agency wants to restore this dialogue as soon as possible. Grossi said that the only option to prevent the conflict from escalating further is to return to the path of diplomacy and dialogue.

IAEA chief Rafael Grossi said that he is trying to contact Iranian nuclear regulatory authorities. However, till now they have not received any reply. According to Grossi, this communication channel is extremely important. They are hoping that this medium of dialogue can be re-established as soon as possible, so that the seriousness of the situation can be understood and matters related to nuclear security can be monitored.

Grossi has requested all parties to exercise utmost restraint in military operations. He believes that in the current situation, any kind of military increase can be a threat to regional and global peace. He reiterated that all concerned parties should avoid war-like steps. Grossi stressed that now is the time for all parties to return to diplomacy and the negotiating table, so that further tension can be avoided.

Is there possibility of radioactivity leak?

However, the IAEA Director General has also said that the possibility of 'radioactivity leakage' cannot be avoided. Rafael Grossi expressed deep concern over the ongoing military attacks in Iran and the Middle East and appealed to all parties to exercise maximum restraint and avoid any kind of armed attack on nuclear facilities. He said the IAEA will continue to monitor the situation and stands ready to provide immediate technical assistance to member states if any breach in nuclear security occurs. He warned that if there is a radioactivity leak, there could be a need to evacuate major cities.

What steps has the IAEA taken?

Grossi said the agency took immediate action in response to concerns about a possible radioactivity leak emergency, consistent with its jurisdiction. The IAEA's 'Incident and Emergency Centre' (IEC) is active and a dedicated team is assessing the situation, although there are barriers to communication due to the conflict. He said regional security monitoring networks have been alerted and so far radiation above background levels has not been recorded in countries adjacent to Iran.

Is there increased risk to nuclear security?

On the condition of nuclear installations in Iran, he said that so far there has been no sign of damage to the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, the Tehran Research Reactor or other nuclear fuel cycle facilities. The IAEA continues efforts to contact Iran's nuclear regulatory authority, but has not yet received a response. The Director-General warned that many countries in the region have operating nuclear power plants and research reactors, increasing the risks to nuclear security in the event of any military attack. The United Arab Emirates has four operational nuclear reactors, while Jordan and Syria operate research reactors.

Referring to previous UN General Conference resolutions, he said that armed attacks should never take place on nuclear facilities, as this could lead to serious radioactive emissions, the effects of which could reach beyond borders. He reiterated the need to return to diplomacy and negotiations for a long-term solution to Iran's nuclear program. He said the use of force has been part of international relations, but it should always be the last resort. "Diplomacy is difficult, but not impossible. Nuclear diplomacy is even more difficult, but not impossible. We have to return to the negotiating table as soon as possible," he said.