IAEA warns of “severe radiological risk” after strikes near Iran’s Bushehr nuclear plant

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has confirmed recent military strikes near Iran’s Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP), with one impact occurring just 75 metres from the site perimeter.

Analysis of satellite imagery from April 5 indicates that the plant itself has not been damaged, Caliber.Az reports per the agency'spost on X. 

Based on its independent analysis of new satellite imagery and detailed knowledge of the site, the IAEA can confirm recent impacts of military strikes close to Iran’s Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP), including one just 75 metres from the site perimeter. The BNPP itself has not… pic.twitter.com/zWpp3IaFLW

— IAEA - International Atomic Energy Agency ⚛️ (@iaeaorg) April 6, 2026

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi warned that continued military activity around the operating facility, which contains large amounts of nuclear fuel, could trigger a severe radiological accident with potentially harmful consequences for people and the environment both inside Iran and beyond its borders.

"Regardless of the nature of the intended targets, DG Grossi says such attacks pose a very real danger to nuclear safety and must stop. DG Grossi reiterates call for all parties to fully respect the 7 indispensable pillars for ensuring nuclear safety and security during a conflict. A nuclear facility and surrounding areas should never be struck, DG Grossi says," the post reads. 

The IAEA’s statement follows a formal protest from the Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran, which sent a letter to Grossi condemning the shelling of the Bushehr plant and calling for immediate international attention to the threat.

By Sabina Mammadli