The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has warned that an Israeli strike on Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant could trigger a regional catastrophe. Rafael Grossi, Director of the IAEA, told the UN Security Council that a direct hit on the plant, which contains thousands of kilograms of nuclear material, would result in a significant release of radioactivity with severe consequences beyond Iran’s borders. “Countries of the region have reached out directly to me over the past few hours to express their concerns,” Grossi said, emphasizing the need for maximum restraint.
Grossi highlighted the dire consequences of such an attack, including the potential for a meltdown, widespread radioactive contamination and significant harm to the population. In a worst-case scenario, evacuation orders would need to be issued for areas within several hundred kilometers of the plant, including population centers in Gulf Arab monarchies. Authorities would also need to take protective actions, administering iodine to populations and potentially restricting food supplies.
Grossi appealed for a diplomatic solution and reiterated his willingness to travel to negotiate a deal. “The IAEA can guarantee through a watertight inspection system that nuclear weapons will not be developed in Iran,” he said. This statement underscores the agency’s commitment to ensuring the peaceful use of nuclear energy and preventing nuclear proliferation.
The warning comes amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, with Israel accusing Iran of developing nuclear weapons and Iran denying the allegations. Russian nuclear energy chief Alexei Likhachev warned that any attack on the Bushehr plant could cause a Chernobyl-style nuclear disaster. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also called for restraint, stating that the conflict could ignite a fire that no one can control.
A strike on the Bushehr plant would have far-reaching consequences, including:
- Radiation Release: A direct hit would result in a significant release of radioactivity, posing a threat to human health and the environment.
- Evacuations: Evacuation orders would need to be issued for areas within several hundred kilometers of the plant.
- Food and Water Restrictions: Authorities may need to restrict food and water supplies to prevent radioactive contamination.
The international community is urging restraint and calling for a diplomatic solution to the conflict. The situation remains volatile, with the potential for catastrophic consequences if not managed carefully.