IAEA urges Israel to refrain from targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities

UNITED NATIONS: Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, emphasized on Saturday that nuclear sites must never be targeted under any circumstances, following reports that Israeli fighter jets struck a nuclear facility in Iran during aerial strikes.

The UN Security Council met in emergency session hours after Israel’s deadly air strikes against targets in Iran.

Briefing the Council, Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), said his agency was in constant contact with the Iranian Nuclear Regulatory Authority to assess the status of affected facilities and determine broader impacts on nuclear safety and security.

He stressed that nuclear sites must never be targeted – under any circumstances.

“Such attacks have serious implications for nuclear security, nuclear safety and safeguards, as well as regional and international peace and security,” Grossi said.

He stands ready to travel to the region at the earliest opportunity, he added, to assess the situation and support safety, security and non-proliferation efforts in Iran.

“It is clear that the only sustainable path forward for Iran, for Israel, the entire region and the international community is one grounded in dialogue and diplomacy to ensure peace, stability and cooperation.”

Grossi concluded by offering the IAEA as a neutral platform where “facts prevail over rhetoric” and where technical engagement replace escalation.

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“I reaffirm my personal and the agency’s readiness to facilitate dialogue and support efforts that promote transparency, security and the peaceful resolution of nuclear issues in Iran.”

Meanwhile, in an statement, Rafael Grossi, expressing deeply concern over the situation, stated that nuclear facilities must never be attacked, regardless of the context or circumstances, as it could harm both people and the environment.

He said that such attacks have serious implications for nuclear safety, security and safeguards, as well as regional and international peace and security.

He reiterated that any military action that jeopardizes the safety and security of nuclear facilities risks grave consequences for the people of Iran, the region, and beyond.