By The Sampadak Express
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has informed the United Nations Security Council that Israel’s recent airstrike on Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility resulted in radioactive and chemical contamination at the site. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi confirmed the development while addressing the Security Council on Friday.
Contamination Confirmed Inside Natanz Facility“Israel destroyed the above-ground part of the Natanz nuclear facility,” Grossi stated. “While there are no signs of damage to the underground enrichment facilities, the power outage may have impacted centrifuge operations. There is radioactive and chemical contamination within the site.”
Grossi assured that external radiation levels near the Natanz facility remain unchanged, but noted that contamination has been detected internally. “The contamination is being managed with protective measures,” he added.
Significant Escalation: Operation ‘Rising Lion’
The Israeli strike, codenamed Rising Lion, marks a major escalation in Israel’s ongoing efforts to curb Iran’s nuclear program. The large-scale, coordinated offensive targeted multiple high-security military and nuclear sites across Iran, including installations in Tehran and western regions.
The Israeli military revealed that around 200 fighter jets participated in the operation, which reportedly killed several senior Iranian military officials. Among the casualties were Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commander Hossein Salami and Ali Shamkhani, a top advisor to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
IAEA Calls for Caution
Addressing the IAEA Board of Governors, Grossi urged restraint to prevent further escalation. “I call on all parties to exercise maximum caution. Any military action that endangers nuclear facilities could have severe consequences not only for Iran but for the region and beyond,” he warned.
The Natanz site, located approximately 241 km south of Tehran, is one of Iran’s most significant uranium enrichment centers, housing both underground and surface-level facilities. Iran currently enriches uranium up to 60% purity at Natanz just below the 90% required for weapons-grade material. However, much of the higher-enriched uranium is being produced at the heavily fortified Fordow facility, located deep within a mountain, making it more challenging to target through airstrikes.
Iran Downplays IncidentIran’s Atomic Energy Organisation attempted to downplay the severity of the incident. Spokesperson Behrouz Kamalvandi told Iranian state media that only minor damage had occurred, and no threat existed to public health. “Some contamination was detected inside the facility, but it was contained within the site. Underground facilities remain intact and will resume operations soon,” he said.
However, Grossi pointed out that reports from Iran indicated additional damage at other key facilities, including the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant and the Esfahan nuclear complex. The Esfahan site hosts multiple critical operations, such as uranium conversion and fuel production plants.
Rising Tensions: Iran Retaliates
In response, Iran launched a series of missile strikes targeting northern Israel and the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights early Saturday. Air-raid sirens sounded across the region, and authorities urged residents to seek shelter.
This latest attack followed Iran’s earlier drone offensive, in which over 100 drones were launched toward Israel. That operation came in retaliation for Israel’s initial strike, which resulted in the deaths of several senior Iranian military figures, including IRGC commander Hossein Salami.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran continues to fuel regional instability, with global bodies like the IAEA calling for de-escalation to prevent a broader crisis.
