International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi informed the United Nations Security Council on Friday that Israel’s recent airstrike on Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility has resulted in “radioactive and chemical contamination”, Business Standard reports.
“Israel destroyed the above-ground part of the Natanz nuclear facility,” Grossi stated. “There are no indications of damage to the underground enrichment facilities at the site, but the power outage may have affected the centrifuges. There is radioactive and chemical contamination at the site.”
The attack, codenamed “Rising Lion”, represents a significant escalation in Israel’s ongoing campaign to dismantle Iran’s nuclear capabilities. The coordinated operation targeted multiple high-security military and nuclear installations across Iran, including those in Tehran and western regions.
According to the Israeli military, 200 fighter jets participated in the strikes, which led to the deaths of several senior Iranian military figures, including Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commander Hossein Salami and Ali Shamkhani, a top advisor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The IAEA later confirmed that while external radiation levels near the Natanz site had not increased, contamination was detected internally. “Radiation levels outside the Natanz facility remained unchanged,” Grossi told the 15-member council. “But there was radioactive contamination present inside the facility, which can be managed with appropriate protective measures.”
Grossi emphasised his willingness to visit Iran to conduct a direct assessment of the situation. Addressing the IAEA Board of Governors, he urged caution: “I call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint to avoid further escalation. I reiterate that any military action that jeopardizes the safety and security of nuclear facilities risks grave consequences for the people of Iran, the region, and beyond.”
Located around 241 km south of Tehran, the Natanz site is one of Iran’s most critical uranium enrichment facilities, comprising both a large underground installation and a smaller surface-level plant. Iran is currently enriching uranium to 60 per cent purity at its Natanz pilot facility — just below the 90 per cent threshold required for weapons-grade material.
