Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility was struck during recent US and Israeli military operations, Iran’s envoy to the UN nuclear watchdog said on Monday. “Again they attacked Iran’s peaceful, safeguarded nuclear facilities yesterday,” Reza Najafi told reporters at a meeting of the 35-nation board of governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency. Asked which sites were hit, he replied: “Natanz,” reported Reuters.
The development comes amid heightened tensions over Iran’s nuclear programme. In June, the United States carried out strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities that Washington says were part of a programme aimed at developing nuclear weapons. Tehran maintains its nuclear activities are for civilian purposes.Meanwhile, Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran would rebuild its nuclear infrastructure. “Destroying buildings and factories will not create a problem for us, we will rebuild and with greater strength,” he told state media during a visit to Iran’s atomic energy organization, adding that the country does not seek nuclear weapons.“It’s all intended for solving the problems of the people, for disease, for the health of the people,” Pezeshkian said, referring to Iran’s nuclear activities.US president Donald Trump has warned that he would order fresh attacks on Iran’s nuclear sites if Tehran attempts to restart facilities bombed in June.IAEA director general Rafael Mariano Grossi expressed concern over the situation, warning that the “possibility of radiological release cannot be ruled out”, according to ANI.Speaking at the IAEA board of governors meeting, Grossi said: “Let me underline that the situation today is very concerning. We cannot rule out a possible radiological release with serious consequences, including the necessity to evacuate areas as large or larger than major cities.”He added that the agency has “extensive knowledge of the nature and location of nuclear and radiological material in the region” and is ready to provide assistance in case of an attack or accident causing a radiological release. Grossi also noted that several countries in West Asia operate nuclear power plants or research reactors, increasing the risks amid military escalation, and urged “utmost restraint in all military operations.”
