IAEA: Centrifuge manufacturing facility in Isfahan attacked.

IAEA: Centrifuge manufacturing facility in Isfahan attacked.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has confirmed that Israel's recent military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities have extended to the Isfahan centrifuge manufacturing facility. The agency reported that the strikes, which began on June 13, have caused significant damage to four buildings, including the central chemical laboratory, uranium conversion plant, reactor fuel manufacturing facility, and an enriched uranium metal processing facility under construction [1].

The IAEA's Director General, Rafael Mariano Grossi, emphasized the potential radiological and chemical contamination risks posed by the attacks. Grossi stated, "There is a lot of nuclear material in Iran in different places, which means that the potential for a radiological accident with the dispersion in the atmosphere of radioactive materials and particles does exist" [1].

The strikes represent the second time in three years that nuclear facilities have come under attack during conflicts involving IAEA member states, following damage to Ukrainian nuclear sites during Russia's invasion. Grossi invoked U.N. General Conference resolutions stating that "any armed attack on and threat against 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" [1].

The IAEA maintains inspectors in Iran despite the security situation, though staff numbers have been reduced. Grossi said safeguards inspections will continue under Iran's Non-Proliferation Treaty obligations "as soon as safety and security conditions allow" [1].

Grossi called for maximum restraint and offered to travel immediately to engage with relevant parties and deploy nuclear safety experts. He stressed the need for "constructive, professional dialogue" to prevent potential nuclear accidents. Grossi remains in contact with regional countries and emphasized the importance of receiving timely technical information from Iranian authorities to inform the international community and coordinate emergency responses if needed [1].

References:
[1] https://www.turkiyetoday.com/world/iaea-says-israeli-strikes-on-iranian-nuclear-sites-pose-radiological-risks-3203145