The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, has issued a stark warning to the United Nations Security Council, cautioning that any Israeli strike on Iran’s Bushehr nuclear facility could lead to a nuclear disaster in the Middle East.
Grossi emphasized that while no radiation has been detected so far amid Israel’s ongoing military operations targeting Iranian assets, a direct hit on the Bushehr reactor would pose grave risks. The facility houses thousands of kilograms of nuclear material, and any breach could result in the widespread release of radioactivity.
“Several countries in the region have contacted me directly in recent hours, voicing their fears,” Grossi said. “Let me be crystal clear — a strike on the Bushehr nuclear power plant would likely cause a massive radioactive leak.”
He also highlighted that even indirect attacks, such as those disabling the power supply to the plant, could be disastrous. A loss of electricity might lead to a reactor meltdown, he warned.
In such a scenario, populations within several hundred kilometers — including residents in Gulf nations — could be forced to evacuate or shelter in place. Emergency iodine distribution and food restrictions could also become necessary due to radioactive contamination, Grossi added.
Bushehr, located in southern Iran, is the Middle East’s first civilian nuclear power plant. Its construction began in the 1970s under Iran’s then-pro-Western Shah. While German engineers initially led the project, Russia took over in the 1990s to complete and maintain the reactor.
Calling for restraint and diplomacy, Grossi reiterated the IAEA’s readiness to help mediate a peaceful resolution. He assured that Iran’s nuclear program can remain peaceful if monitored under strict international safeguards.
“The IAEA has the tools to verify that nuclear weapons will not be developed in Iran,” Grossi said, appealing for a negotiated solution to prevent escalation.
