Amidst the increasing tension in West Asia, Iran has made a big claim that America and Israel have attacked its nuclear sites. Iran’s ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency, or IAEA, said that nuclear facilities were targeted in the attacks on Sunday. However, the global nuclear monitoring organization has not yet confirmed damage to any nuclear facility.
IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi told a meeting of the agency’s 35-member Board of Governors on Monday that the agency has so far found no indication that any of Iran’s nuclear facilities have been attacked or damaged. He clearly said that the situation is definitely serious, but based on the available information the nuclear centers appear to be safe.
Increased concern about nuclear security
Grossi expressed deep concern over the security situation in West Asia. He said that in the current situation the possibility of radiological leakage i.e. spread of nuclear radiation cannot be completely ruled out. If this happens, it could have serious consequences and areas the size of big cities may have to be evacuated. The IAEA has also said that it is prepared to deal with any such emergency.
Threat to nuclear infrastructure in many countries
The IAEA chief said that active nuclear power plants and research reactors exist in many countries of West Asia including Iran. The United Arab Emirates has four operational nuclear reactors while Jordan and Syria have operational research reactors. Military tensions have also increased in countries like Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, which has increased the threat to nuclear security in the entire region.
Radiation level normal, monitoring intensified
Grossi said that so far there has been no report of increase in radiation levels in countries adjacent to Iran. Despite this, the Regional Security Monitoring Network has been kept on alert and constant contact is being maintained with all member countries. The agency is prepared to take immediate action in case of any possible nuclear security breach.
Iran’s nuclear sites declared safe
According to the IAEA, so far there has been no damage to the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, the Tehran Research Reactor and other nuclear fuel facilities. Grossi also said that efforts are underway to contact Iran’s nuclear regulatory authorities, but have not yet received a response. He stressed the need to restore dialogue.
Military tension in the area after the attacks
This statement has come at a time when tension in the region has increased rapidly after the operation conducted by America and Israel. In this action, the news of the death of Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei came to light, after which Iran started retaliatory attacks targeting US-Israel related structures in many countries of West Asia.
The IAEA chief said that the situation is extremely sensitive and all countries should exercise restraint in military action. He said that nuclear diplomacy is difficult, but not impossible. Dialogue and dialogue is the safest way to control this crisis, so that there is no major threat to nuclear security.
