The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Grossi has called on Israel and Iran to exercise maximum restraint and expressed regret over the impact of the military conflict on diplomatic efforts with Tehran. He made the statement during an emergency meeting of the Vienna-based agency's board of directors, DPA reported, quoted by BTA.
The call comes against the backdrop of the fourth day of fighting between the two regional powers.
“The military escalation endangers the lives of many people, increases the risk of radiation contamination with serious consequences for health and the environment, and hinders the vital work of achieving a diplomatic solution and guarantees that Iran will not acquire nuclear weapons“, Grossi said.
He also provided up-to-date information on the damage caused to Iran's nuclear infrastructure. According to him, the uranium enrichment facility in Natanz was damaged in the Israeli strikes on Friday. Although the underground part of the complex was not a direct target, the power outage may have damaged sensitive equipment.
Grossi stressed that the radiation hazard at the site was "manageable with the use of appropriate respiratory protection".
"The level of radioactivity outside the Natanz site remains unchanged and within normal limits. There is no radiation risk to the population or the environment," he added.
In addition to Natanz, four other nuclear sites in Isfahan were also damaged in the strikes. Grossi, however, specified that there was no information about damage to the uranium enrichment plant in Fordow, the nuclear power plant in Bushehr or a power plant under construction.
IAEA inspectors remain in Iran and are ready to resume their monitoring activities as soon as conditions allow.
In its latest report, the agency reported a significant increase in Iran's uranium stockpile, which could potentially be used to create nuclear weapons. However, Tehran categorically denies having any intention of developing such an arsenal.