World on Edge Amid Rising Fear of Nuclear Radiation in Iran
IAEA Security Council meeting in Vienna on Friday! (Image IAEA, X)
IAEA Warns of Nuclear Risks in Iran After Israeli Strikes on Natanz, Bushehr Air Defences Activated
By TRH News Desk
NEW DELHI, June 20, 2025 –International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi raised alarms over the “sharp degradation” in nuclear safety and security in Iran following Israeli airstrikes on its nuclear facilities, particularly the Natanz Fuel Enrichment Plant. Speaking to the IAEA Board of Governors, Grossi confirmed that the attacks, part of Israel’s “Operation Rising Lion” launched on June 13, caused radiological and chemical contamination inside Natanz, though external radiation levels remain unchanged.
Grossi detailed that the above-ground Pilot Fuel Enrichment Plant at Natanz, which enriches uranium up to 60% U-235, was destroyed, with power outages potentially damaging underground centrifuges. “Inside Natanz, there is both radiological and chemical contamination, primarily alpha particles and uranium hexafluoride, posing significant risks if inhaled or ingested, though manageable with protective measures,” he said. The IAEA chief also expressed grave concern over Iranian air defences being activated in Bushehr, home to Iran’s only commercial nuclear power plant, warning that any attack on the facility “would result in a very high release of radioactivity” with severe consequences for the region.
Al Jazeera reported that Israel’s strikes on Natanz and four buildings at the Esfahan nuclear site, including a uranium conversion facility, heightened fears of a nuclear catastrophe. The outlet noted that while Bushehr and the fortified Fordow site remain undamaged, the ongoing conflict risks unintended radiological fallout. The Times of Israel cited Israeli defence officials claiming significant damage to Natanz’s underground enrichment halls, though Iran denies this, asserting no external contamination. The Tehran Times reported Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi demanding IAEA condemnation of Israel’s “reckless aggression,” emphasizing Iran’s intent to protect its nuclear assets and deliver a “decisive response.”
Grossi stressed that a diplomatic solution is “within reach,” with the IAEA ready to deploy inspectors to ensure Iran’s nuclear program remains peaceful. “The IAEA can guarantee through inspections that nuclear weapons will not be developed in Iran,” he said, urging all parties to exercise restraint to avoid further escalation. Arab News highlighted regional fears, quoting experts who warn that continued strikes could push Iran to withdraw from the Non-Proliferation Treaty.
The IAEA continues to monitor Natanz, Esfahan, Fordow, and Bushehr, with Grossi offering to travel to Iran to assess the situation. As the Israel-Iran conflict enters its eighth day, the risk of a radiological incident looms large, underscoring the urgent need for diplomacy to prevent a regional disaster.
Iran and Israel continue to intensify attacks against each other. A narrow window for diplomacy to work out a breakthrough emerged after the US paused taking part in the ongoing conflicts for two weeks. Within the MAGA of US President Donald Trump, strong voices are urging against Washington taking part in the military conflicts.
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