Abbas Araghchi has warned of a “serious risk of radioactive contamination” following repeated strikes near Iran’s only operational nuclear power plant at Bushehr, raising concerns about potential regional consequences.
In a letter to Antonio Guterres, Araghchi condemned the US-Israeli attacks near nuclear facilities and described the situation around the Bushehr plant as “intolerable.” He cautioned that continued strikes in the vicinity of an active nuclear site could lead to a radiological incident with consequences extending far beyond Iran’s borders, particularly affecting Gulf nations.
According to Iranian officials, the Bushehr facility has been targeted multiple times in recent weeks. Araghchi stated that any radioactive fallout would likely impact nearby Gulf Cooperation Council countries even more than Iran itself, highlighting the broader regional risk.
The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed that a projectile had struck near the plant’s premises, marking the fourth such incident. While no rise in radiation levels has been detected so far, the agency reported that one member of the plant’s security staff was killed and a nearby building sustained damage due to shock waves and debris.
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi expressed serious concern, stressing that nuclear facilities and surrounding infrastructure must never be targeted during conflict. He reiterated that even indirect damage to auxiliary systems could compromise safety mechanisms and lead to catastrophic consequences.
Despite the attacks, Iranian sources stated that the core sections of the Bushehr plant remain intact and electricity generation continues without disruption.
The incident underscores the growing خطر of escalation, as military operations near sensitive nuclear infrastructure raise the possibility of environmental disaster, intensify geopolitical tensions, and increase pressure on international bodies to enforce restraint.
