The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has raised serious concerns following reports of military strikes near Iran’s Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, warning that any damage to the operational facility could trigger a major radiological disaster with consequences extending beyond Iran’s borders.
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said the situation was deeply alarming because the Bushehr plant contains large quantities of nuclear material, making it particularly vulnerable during military conflict.
In a statement, Grossi urged all parties involved in the ongoing regional tensions to exercise maximum restraint and adhere to international nuclear safety standards.
IAEA Calls for Protection of Nuclear Facilities
Grossi emphasised the importance of safeguarding nuclear installations during armed conflict and highlighted the need to maintain the seven key pillars of nuclear safety and security, a framework designed to prevent accidents or radiation leaks in volatile situations.
He warned that any strike causing damage to an operational nuclear power plant could lead to serious radiological consequences, potentially affecting neighbouring countries and the broader region.
Military Strikes Expand Across Iran
Meanwhile, reports suggest that military operations against Iranian defence infrastructure have intensified in recent days.
According to assessments by the Institute for the Study of War, joint forces have targeted several components of Iran’s missile programme, including missile launchers, storage facilities, and production sites.
Strikes have also reportedly extended to major military installations such as the 7th Artesh Air Force Tactical Airbase in Shiraz.
Additional targets mentioned in reports include:
- An Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Ground Forces unit in Hamedan
- A headquarters facility near Bonab in East Azerbaijan Province
Satellite imagery dated March 15 is said to show significant damage to naval and air infrastructure at the IRGC’s 4th Sarallah Naval District in Bushehr Province, which oversees operations in the central Persian Gulf and the South Pars gas field.
Iran Launches Retaliatory Operation
In response to the attacks, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced the launch of Wave 83 of “Operation True Promise 4.”
According to Iranian sources, the operation involved missile and drone strikes targeting US and Israeli military assets across the region.
Reported targets included:
- Oil storage facilities in Ashdod
- A military personnel site in the Modi’in settlement
- A US military information exchange centre
Iranian forces also claimed to have struck American military bases, including:
- Al-Dhafra Air Base
- Al-Udeid Air Base
- Ali Al-Salem Air Base
- Sheikh Isa Air Base
Some reports suggest that infrastructure such as aircraft hangars and Patriot missile system facilities were among the targets.
Rising Global Concern
The developments have heightened global concern about the risk of escalation in West Asia, particularly given the presence of critical energy infrastructure and nuclear facilities in the region.
International observers warn that any damage to nuclear sites could have far-reaching environmental, humanitarian, and geopolitical consequences, underscoring the urgent need for restraint and diplomatic engagement.
