Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency Rafael Grossi stated on the 13th that the surface facilities of the uranium enrichment plant at Iran's central Natanz nuclear facility were destroyed in an Israeli attack early that morning, and centrifuges may have been damaged. There is radioactive contamination inside the nuclear facility, but the situation is controllable and has not impacted the outside world.
He said at the UN Security Council's emergency open meeting on the Middle East situation, that Iran has confirmed that the Natanz nuclear facility was attacked by Israel on the 13th. The nuclear facility consists of a Fuel Enrichment Plant and a Pilot Fuel Enrichment Plant, with Iran producing uranium-235 enriched to 60% at the Pilot Fuel Enrichment Plant.
Grossi stated: “At Natanz, the surface facilities of the Pilot Fuel Enrichment Plant have been destroyed, and the plant's electrical infrastructure (substation, main power building, emergency power supply, and backup generators) has also been damaged.”
He pointed out that there is no evidence that the underground cascade hall of the Natanz nuclear facility was physically attacked. Parts of the Pilot Fuel Enrichment Plant and the main components of the Fuel Enrichment Plant are located here, “However, the power outage in the underground cascade hall may have caused damage to the centrifuges there.”
He stated that the radiation levels outside the Natanz nuclear facility remain normal, indicating that this event has not impacted people or the environment outside the facility. However, due to the attack, there is radioactive and chemical contamination inside the Natanz facility. The main type of radiation within the facility is alpha radiation, which is controllable through appropriate radiation protection measures.
Grossi said that Iran also reported attacks on other nuclear facilities like Fordow and Isfahan, but the International Atomic Energy Agency has not yet obtained more detailed information.
Absolutely no attacks on nuclear facilities
Earlier, at a meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency's Board of Governors, Grossi said that under no circumstances should nuclear facilities be attacked, as it could endanger humanity and the environment. Such attacks seriously impact nuclear safety, security, and safeguard supervision, as well as regional and international peace and security.
He urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint to avoid further escalation.
He reiterated that any military action threatening the safety and security of nuclear facilities could have serious consequences for the Iranian people, the region, and even broader areas.
Grossi said that for Iran, Israel, the Middle Eastern region, and the international community, the only sustainable approach is to ensure peace, stability, and cooperation through dialogue and diplomatic means.
The Israeli military issued a statement on the 13th, noting that under precise intelligence guidance, the Israeli military airstruck Iran's Natanz area's uranium enrichment facility. This is Iran's largest uranium enrichment facility, which has long been committed to “achieving nuclear weapons capability” and has infrastructure for raising enriched uranium to weapon-grade levels. The Israeli military's attack damaged the underground part of the facility and key infrastructure ensuring its operation.