World on edge? UN nuclear chief sounds alarm over Iran power plant strike

The IAEA was informed of the strike – the fourth such incident in recent weeks – by Iranian officials. Iran also informed the agency that a member of the site’s physical protection staff members was killed by a projectile fragment and that a building on site was affected by shockwaves and fragments. 

Mr. Grossi emphasised that nuclear power plant sites or nearby areas must never be attacked, noting that auxiliary site buildings may contain vital safety equipment. No increase in radiation levels was reported, following the latest incident.

Reiterating call for maximum military restraint to avoid risk of a nuclear accident, Mr. Grossi again stressed the paramount importance of adhering to the IAEA’s seven pillars for ensuring nuclear safety and security during a conflict (see below).

The previous strike on Bushehr took place on 18 March, when a structure about 350 metres from the reactor was hit and destroyed. No damage to the reactor or injuries were reported, but the agency warned that any attack near nuclear facilities risks violating key safety principles.

Earlier in the month, in an address to the IAEA Board at the agency’s headquarters in Vienna, Austria, Mr. Grossi underscored the risk of a nuclear incident from the military escalation since Iran “and many other countries in the region that have been subjected to military attacks have operational nuclear power plants and nuclear research reactors”.

The seven pillars for nuclear safety and security in armed conflict

The Seven Indispensable Pillars were introduced by the IAEA Director General in March 2022 to address the unprecedented challenge of maintaining nuclear safety and security when facilities are in a warzone.

The physical integrity of facilities – whether it is the reactors, fuel ponds or radioactive waste stores – must be maintained.

All safety and security systems and equipment must be fully functional at all times.

The operating staff must be able to fulfil their safety and security duties and have the capacity to make decisions free of undue pressure.

There must be a secure off-site power supply from the grid for all nuclear sites.

There must be uninterrupted logistical supply chains and transportation to and from the sites.

There must be effective on-site and off-site radiation monitoring systems, and emergency preparedness and response measures.

There must be reliable communication with the regulator and others.