UN watchdog voices ‘deep concern’ as Iran reports new attacks on nuclear plant

IAEA Expresses ‘Significant Alarm’ Over Bushehr Plant Attack

Iranian authorities report that the Bushehr nuclear power plant’s vicinity has suffered its fourth attack since the ongoing conflict began, with the U.S. and Israel persisting in their strikes on energy facilities and industrial complexes. An employee at the facility was killed during the strike, according to the Atomic Energy Organisation. While Iran attributes the assault to the U.S. and Israel, neither country has officially confirmed responsibility for the attack.

Iran’s Nuclear Plant and International Response

The International Atomic Energy Agency, the UN’s nuclear watchdog, stated it had been informed of the strike and expressed “significant alarm.” In a statement on X, the agency noted “no increase in radiation levels” and emphasized that nuclear plant sites and surrounding areas “must never be attacked.” It urged “maximum military restraint” to prevent a potential nuclear incident.

“Remember the Western outrage about hostilities near Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine? Israel-U.S. have bombed our Bushehr plant four times now.” – Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi

Bushehr, Iran’s sole operational nuclear power plant, was constructed with Russian assistance. Russia has evacuated many staff from the site, with the head of its state nuclear corporation, Alexei Likhachev, confirming that the evacuation of 198 remaining personnel began on Saturday morning.

Escalating Conflicts and Civilian Impact

Meanwhile, Iran has continued to launch missiles at Gulf States, Iraq, and Israel, with intercepted projectiles causing damage. The U.S. and Iran’s ongoing conflict, which started on February 28—two days after the third round of indirect nuclear talks in Geneva—has also seen strikes targeting multiple universities across the country. Iranian Science Minister Hossein Simai Sarraf highlighted this, stating that over 30 institutions had been hit since the war began.

“A civilised country, a civilised government never targets institutions of knowledge, laboratories or research centres.” – Iranian Science Minister Hossein Simai Sarraf

Following the downing of an F-15 fighter jet on Friday, both Iranian and U.S. forces are engaged in efforts to locate a missing American crew member. A pilot on board was rescued, as reported by U.S. media. Iran’s Atomic Energy Organisation noted that the plant’s main structures remained intact and its operations were “not affected.”

As tensions persist, the U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated a threat on Truth Social, warning that “all Hell will reign down on them” if Iran fails to reach an agreement on reopening the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours. This follows his earlier declaration on March 27 of a 10-day pause on energy plant strikes, offering Iran a chance to “make a deal.”