A projectile strike near Iran’s Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant on Tuesday evening has raised serious concerns over nuclear safety during armed conflict, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
The IAEA confirmed that a structure located approximately 350 metres from the reactor at the Bushehr facility was hit and destroyed in the incident. While the reactor itself remained undamaged and no injuries to plant personnel were reported, the proximity of the strike has drawn sharp warnings from the UN’s nuclear watchdog.
IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi strongly condemned the incident, reiterating the grave risks associated with military activity near nuclear installations.
“Although there was no damage to the reactor itself nor injuries to staff, any attack at or near nuclear power plants violates the seven indispensable pillars related to ensuring nuclear safety and security during an armed conflict and should never take place,” Grossi stated.
The International Atomic Energy Agency has consistently emphasized that nuclear facilities must remain protected zones, even amid escalating geopolitical tensions. Any breach of these principles could potentially trigger catastrophic consequences, including radiation leaks and widespread environmental damage.
The Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, Iran’s only operational nuclear power reactor, holds strategic and civilian importance, making its safety a matter of global concern.
The incident comes at a time of heightened regional tensions, underscoring the urgent need for adherence to international norms governing the protection of critical infrastructure during conflicts.
Following information from Iran of a projectile incident on Tuesday evening, the IAEA can confirm that a structure 350 metres from the Bushehr NPP reactor was hit and destroyed.
“Although there was no damage to the reactor itself nor injuries to staff, any attack at or near… pic.twitter.com/HtNXQntEgU
— IAEA – International Atomic Energy Agency ⚛️ (@iaeaorg) March 18, 2026
