IAEA Calls For Restraint As Missile Hit Iran Nuclear Site

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on Wednesday disclosed that Iranian authorities reported a projectile impact at the country’s only operational nuclear power plant, with no damage or casualties recorded.

The agency said it was informed that the incident occurred at the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant on Tuesday evening.

In a statement posted on social media, the Vienna-based agency noted that the impact did not affect operations at the facility.

“The International Atomic Energy Agency has been informed by Iran that a projectile hit the premises of the Bushehr NPP on Tuesday evening. No damage to the plant or injuries to staff reported,” the statement read.

Naija News reports that the Director-General of the agency, Rafael Grossi, urged caution to prevent escalation and possible nuclear risks.

Grossi “reiterates his call for restraint during the conflict to avoid any risk of a nuclear accident,” the statement added.

The Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, located in southwestern Iran, remains the country’s sole operational nuclear reactor.

According to the IAEA, the facility was first connected to the national grid in 2011.

Iran has faced stringent sanctions from the United States since 2018, following Washington’s withdrawal from a nuclear agreement that had offered sanctions relief in exchange for restrictions on Tehran’s nuclear programme.

While Western powers have expressed concerns over Iran’s nuclear ambitions, the country has consistently denied seeking to develop nuclear weapons, maintaining that its programme is for peaceful purposes.