Vienna, Austria – The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, warned of the dire consequences of direct or near-direct military attacks on Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant. He stressed that the continuation of this escalating approach could lead to a “major nuclear accident” with repercussions extending far beyond the region’s borders. This would place the safety of millions and the environment at grave risk.
Warnings of a cross-border disaster
In an official statement issued by the agency, Grossi condemned the recent fighting that took place near the vital facility. He stressed that any threat to the safety of nuclear reactors is not merely a domestic matter. He explained that potential radioactive emissions from damage to the plant could affect vast areas within Iran. Furthermore, the effects could extend to neighboring countries, transforming the political crisis into an environmental and humanitarian catastrophe that would be difficult to contain. He added, “Playing with fire near nuclear facilities is gambling with the future of regional security.”
Environmental risks and facility safety
The Director General of the IAEA pointed out that international rules and humanitarian law explicitly prohibit targeting nuclear facilities due to the catastrophic risks they pose to public safety and the environment. He emphasized that while nearby attacks might not directly destroy a reactor, they could disrupt essential cooling systems or cut off vital energy supplies. In such a case, this could lead to scenarios similar to major historical nuclear accidents. Grossi called on all parties involved in the current conflict to exercise maximum restraint and adhere to the five fundamental principles established by the IAEA for the protection of nuclear facilities during armed conflict.
Calls for international action
In closing, Grossi appealed to the international community to intervene to ensure that nuclear sites are kept out of military operations. He also warned that any laxity in protecting the Bushehr nuclear power plant could set a dangerous precedent in the history of modern conflicts. These statements come at a time of unprecedented tension in the region. For this reason, the safety of Iranian nuclear facilities has become a top priority on the international security agenda to avoid a new Chernobyl-like scenario in the Gulf region.
