The United Nations nuclear watchdog organization, the International Atomic Energy Agency, said Tuesday that it spotted recent damage at the entrance of Iran’s underground Natanz fuel enrichment facility.
But agency officials said they haven’t detected any radiological leak coming from the facility, 130 miles southwest of Tehran.
“Based on the latest available satellite imagery, IAEA can now confirm some recent damage to entrance buildings of Iran’s underground Natanz Fuel Enrichment Plant,” the agency said in a statement. “No radiological consequences expected and no additional impact detected at FEP itself, which was severely damaged in the June conflict.”
Director General Rafael Grossi said his agency is assessing the situation in Iran despite communication limitations caused by the country’s conflict with the U.S. and Israel.
“The regional safety monitoring network has been put on alert and is liaising with us continuously,” Mr. Grossi said Tuesday at a meeting in Vienna of the agency’s board of directors. “Efforts to contact the Iranian nuclear regulatory authorities through the [Incident and Emergency Center] continue, with no response so far.”
The Natanz plant is the centerpiece of Iran’s nuclear ambitions and has been at the heart of international tensions for more than two decades. It remains a high-priority target because of its role in producing enriched uranium, which can be used for military weapons and civilian nuclear energy.
“I reiterate my call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint to avoid further escalation,” Mr. Grossi said.
