IAEA Sounds Alarm As Israel Launches Military Operation Against Iranian Nuclear Facilities

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has expressed deep concern over a military operation launched by Israel against nuclear facilities in Iran.

The operation, which occurred early Friday, June 13, 2025, has impacted the Natanz enrichment site, although Iranian authorities have confirmed that no elevated radiation levels have been detected.

According to the IAEA, Iranian nuclear safety authorities reported that the Esfahan and Fordow sites have not been affected. However, the Agency is working closely with the Iranian authorities to assess the situation and ensure nuclear safety and security.

IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi has strongly condemned the attack, emphasizing that nuclear facilities must never be targeted, regardless of the context or circumstances.

“Such attacks have serious implications for nuclear safety, security, and safeguards, as well as regional and international peace and security,” Mr Rafael Grossi said in a statement issued on Friday.

The IAEA has recalled previous General Conference resolutions, including GC(XXIX)/RES/444 and GC(XXXIV)/RES/533, which stress that any armed attack on nuclear facilities devoted to peaceful purposes constitutes a violation of the principles of the United Nations Charter, international law, and the Statute of the Agency.

The Director-General has called on all parties to exercise maximum restraint to avoid further escalation, warning that any military action that jeopardizes the safety and security of nuclear facilities risks grave consequences for the people of Iran, the region, and beyond.

According to IAEA, it is committed to its nuclear safety, security, and safeguards mandate and stands ready to provide technical assistance.

The Director-General has offered to deploy Agency nuclear security and safety experts to ensure that nuclear installations are fully protected and continue to be used exclusively for peaceful purposes.

The Director-General reiterated the Agency’s readiness to facilitate technical discussions and support efforts that promote transparency, safety, security, and the peaceful resolution of nuclear-related issues in Iran.

“Despite the current military actions and heightened tensions, it is clear that the only sustainable path forward—for Iran, for Israel, the entire region, and the international community—is one grounded in dialogue and diplomacy to ensure peace, stability, and cooperation,” Rafael Grossi said.

The IAEA said it will continue to monitor the situation closely and work with all relevant parties to ensure the protection of nuclear facilities and the continued peaceful use of nuclear technology.

Source:https://energynewsafrica.com