Iran warns of ‘radioactive contamination risk’ after strike near nuclear plant, writes to UN

Iran has warned of a “serious risk of radioactive contamination” following fresh strikes near the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi writing to UN Secretary-General António Guterres to condemn US-Israeli attacks on Iran’s nuclear sites.

In the letter, shared on Telegram, Araghchi said repeated strikes near Iran’s only operational nuclear facility posed serious human and environmental risks across the region. He described the situation as “intolerable,” warning that any radiological leak could have consequences beyond Iran’s borders, according to Al Jazeera.

In a separate post on X, Araghchi claimed the Bushehr plant had been targeted four times, adding that any radioactive fallout could endanger Gulf Cooperation Council capitals even more than Tehran.

The International Atomic Energy Agency said Iran reported that a projectile struck near the facility on Saturday morning, marking the fourth such incident in recent weeks. The agency confirmed that one member of the site’s protection staff was killed by fragments, and a building sustained damage from shockwaves and debris, though no increase in radiation levels has been detected.

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi expressed deep concern, stressing that nuclear facilities and surrounding areas must never be targeted, as even auxiliary structures may house critical safety systems. He renewed calls for maximum military restraint and adherence to nuclear safety norms during conflict.

Iran’s Tasnim news agency reported that the strike did not impact the plant’s core operations and that electricity generation remains unaffected. Located along Iran’s Gulf coast, the Bushehr facility is the country’s only functioning nuclear power plant and a highly sensitive strategic site.