IAEA chief reports minor radiation increase at Iran’s Natanz Nuclear Facility

A minor increase in radiation levels has been detected within the secure perimeter of Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility, according to the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi.

Speaking to Bloomberg TV, Grossi said the incident followed recent damage at the site, which has been a focal point in the ongoing tensions between Iran and Israel.

“There was some minor radioactive contamination inside the perimeter of the facility at Natanz, the site that sustained the most damage,” Grossi stated. “There is no immediate harm to the population or the environment.”

The IAEA continues to monitor the situation closely, amid growing international concerns over the security of nuclear infrastructure in the region.

On June 13, Israel launched a significant military operation, dubbed Operation Rising Lion, targeting key Iranian nuclear and military sites, including the Natanz uranium enrichment facility. The assault involved over 200 Israeli fighter jets and resulted in the deaths of several senior Iranian military officials and nuclear scientists.

Satellite imagery and reports indicate extensive damage to the Natanz facility, particularly to its above-ground infrastructure. The IAEA confirmed the destruction of critical buildings, including the Pilot Fuel Enrichment Plant, which had been enriching uranium up to 60%, and significant damage to electrical infrastructure. Despite the surface-level destruction, the IAEA reported no signs of damage to the underground cascade hall, which houses centrifuges used for uranium enrichment.

Following the airstrikes, the IAEA reported internal radiological and chemical contamination within the Natanz facility. The contamination was primarily due to alpha-particle radiation, which is generally contained within the facility and poses minimal risk to the external environment. External radiation levels around the site remained within normal limits, indicating no immediate threat to the surrounding population or environment.

By Khagan Isayev