IAEA chief: No sign of damage to Iran’s nuclear facilities

The head of the UN nuclear watchdog said on March 2 that there was no indication Iran’s nuclear facilities had been damaged amid ongoing regional tensions.

Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, stated: “Up to now, we have no indication that any of Iran’s nuclear installations have been damaged or hit," Iran International reports. 

He said efforts to reach Iranian nuclear regulatory authorities were continuing, “with no response so far,” and expressed hope that an “indispensable channel of communication can be reestablished as soon as possible.”

Grossi reiterated his appeal for de-escalation, calling for “maximum restraint to avoid further escalation,” and added: “We must return to diplomacy and negotiations.”

He also noted that radiation levels in countries neighboring Iran remained normal.

“So far, no elevation of radiation levels above the usual background levels has been detected in countries bordering Iran,” Grossi said.

At the same time, he warned of the potential risks if the situation deteriorates.

“The situation today is very concerning, we cannot rule out a possible radiological release with serious consequences, including the necessity to evacuate areas as large or larger than major cities,” he added.

By Sabina Mammadli