IAEA: No abnormal radiation detected in countries near Iran, but nuclear risk persists

2026-03-02 - 10:42

International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi informed the agency's Board of Governors Monday that radiation levels in countries neighboring Iran remain within normal background limits following recent military strikes in the region. "There is no indication that any of the nuclear installations, including the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, the Tehran Research Reactor, or other nuclear fuel cycle facilities, have been damaged or hit," Grossi stated. Monitoring and Communication Gaps The IAEA's Incident and Emergency Centre continues operating with a dedicated team monitoring developments, though communication with Iran's nuclear regulatory authorities has not yet been restored. Grossi noted that the presence of nuclear power plants and research reactors across the region heightens safety risks amid ongoing military escalation, warning that a potential radiological release with serious consequences cannot be ruled out. Urgent Call for Restraint and Diplomacy "We therefore urge utmost restraint in all military operations," Grossi said, reiterating that "armed attacks on nuclear facilities should never take place." Describing the situation as "very concerning," he stressed that a durable resolution can only be achieved through dialogue. "Diplomacy is hard, but it is never impossible," he added, as regional tensions continue following Saturday's US-Israeli strikes on Iran and subsequent Iranian retaliatory attacks.