The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, has confirmed that no further damage has been observed at Iran’s key nuclear facilities following Israeli airstrikes last Friday. Grossi, addressing the agency’s 35-nation board of governors, detailed that while Israel successfully targeted several buildings at Natanz and Isfahan, critical underground facilities at Natanz and Fordo remained physically intact.
The above-ground Pilot Fuel Enrichment Plant (PFEP) at Natanz was destroyed, including infrastructure vital to uranium enrichment up to 60% purity close to weapons-grade. While there was no confirmed physical damage to the underground cascade halls, Grossi noted that the loss of power could have compromised sensitive centrifuge equipment. Radiological monitoring indicated normal levels outside the affected areas, despite localized contamination.
Four buildings were also damaged at the Isfahan Nuclear Technology Centre, including a uranium conversion plant and facilities related to uranium metal production. However, no visible damage was reported at Fordo or the Khondab heavy water reactor under construction.
Israel claimed responsibility for the strikes, stating they were necessary to halt Iran’s alleged attempts to weaponize enriched uranium. The Israeli military asserted that the attack dismantled critical components of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and killed nine nuclear scientists. However, Iran maintains that its nuclear programme is entirely peaceful.
In response, Iran launched missile strikes on Israeli targets, with the conflict escalating quickly. Iran’s health ministry reported over 220 deaths from Israeli strikes, while Israeli officials confirmed 24 fatalities from Iranian missile attacks.
Grossi warned that further military escalation could risk serious radiological consequences. He urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint and avoid actions that could endanger lives or the environment.
Meanwhile, the IAEA board last week formally declared Iran in breach of its non-proliferation obligations, citing failures to provide clarity on undeclared nuclear materials and activities. Under the 2015 nuclear deal, Iran was restricted to enriching uranium to no more than 3.67% purity and was barred from enrichment activities at Fordo for 15 years.
Iran has called on the IAEA to condemn Israel’s attacks as violations of international law, further complicating already strained diplomatic relations.
