Iran reports attack on nuclear plant with Russian staff: What IAEA says
Photo: The IAEA has responded to the attack on the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant (Getty Images)
Iran reported that a shell struck the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant on March 17. The IAEA confirmed the attack on the plant.
"The IAEA has been informed by Iran that a projectile hit the premises of the Bushehr NPP on Tuesday evening. No damage to the plant or injuries to staff reported," the statement says.
The agency’s Director General, Rafael Grossi, called on the parties to exercise maximum restraint during the conflict to prevent the risk of a nuclear accident.
What Iran says
On March 17, Iranian state media reported that an enemy shell had struck the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant. The type of munition was not specified.
No material, technical, or human losses were reported.
Iranian authorities did not specify which country was behind the attack, but accused the aggressor of violating international norms regarding the immunity of nuclear facilities during military operations.
Tehran also warned that such attacks could have irreparable consequences for the security of the entire Persian Gulf region, including neighboring states.
Russians work at Bushehr NPP
The Russian company Rosatom, which participated in the construction of the plant and currently employs Russian workers there, responded to the attack.
They stated that the explosion allegedly occurred in the area adjacent to the NPP’s meteorological service building, in the immediate vicinity of the operational power unit. Radiation levels around the plant were normal, according to Russian authorities.
According to media reports, the Russian state nuclear corporation evacuated about 150 employees from the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant on March 11.
US and Israel's war against Iran
Since February 28, Israel and the US have been conducting a joint military operation against Iran called Epic Fury.
As a result of strikes on the first day of the war, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was eliminated. Yesterday, it was reported that Ali Larijani, Khamenei's right-hand man, who also served as head of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, had been eliminated.
Recently, US President Donald Trump stated that the United States has effectively won the war against Iran, and the only question is when exactly the hostilities will end.
Later, he said he was not ready to declare victory in the war against Iran, although he is convinced that Tehran has suffered a crushing defeat.
