IAEA finds no damage at Israeli nuclear site after strike

2026-03-22 - 11:50

The International Atomic Energy Agency has announced that its monitoring systems detected no damage to Israel’s Negev Nuclear Research Center following an Iranian missile barrage targeting the southern city of Dimona. The UN nuclear watchdog confirmed that no abnormal radiation levels had been recorded in the region, offering initial assurances that the facility remained secure after the strike. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi called on all parties to exercise “maximum military restraint,” with particular emphasis on avoiding operations near nuclear installations. The agency stated that Grossi was closely monitoring developments in the region, reflecting growing international concern over the proximity of military strikes to sensitive nuclear sites. Dozens of injuries were reported in Dimona, the desert city that houses Israel’s nuclear research facility, after a volley of Iranian missiles struck the area on Saturday. The attack formed part of Tehran’s broader retaliatory campaign against Israel, which began in response to joint US-Israeli strikes on Iranian territory that commenced on Feb. 28. The IAEA’s assessment provides some relief to international observers who have warned of the catastrophic consequences should any nuclear facility be compromised amid the escalating conflict. With hostilities showing no signs of abating, the UN agency’s call for restraint underscores the delicate balance required to prevent a wider confrontation that could involve the region’s most sensitive infrastructure.