Israel's Strike on Iran Causing Radioactive Contamination--IAEA Chief
Source: Newsweek
Published Jun 13, 2025 at 4:28 PM EDT | Updated Jun 13, 2025 at 5:45 PM EDT
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Rafael Grossi told the United Nations (U.N.) Security Council on Friday that Israel's strike on an Iranian nuclear facility was causing "radioactive and chemical contamination." "Israel destroyed the above-ground part of the Natanz nuclear facility. There are no indications of damage to the underground enrichment facilities at the site, but the power outage may have affected the centrifuges. There is radioactive and chemical contamination at the site," Grossi said. Newsweek has reached out to the IAEA for comment on Friday.
Why It Matters
Israel's operation, dubbed "Rising Lion," marked an unprecedented escalation in its efforts to derail Iran's nuclear program. The campaign included attacks on multiple nuclear and military sites across Iran, including heavily fortified targets in Tehran and western provinces.
According to Israel's military, 200 fighter jets were deployed in the coordinated attack, which killed several top Iranian military officials, including Hossein Salami, the commander of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and Ali Shamkhani, a key advisor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
What To Know
The IAEA later confirmed that while external radiation levels around Natanz had not increased, internal contamination was detected. "Radiation levels outside the Natanz facility remained unchanged," Grossi stated, "but there was radioactive contamination present inside the facility, which can be managed with appropriate protective measures."
Read more: https://www.newsweek.com/israels-strike-iran-causing-radioactive-contaminationiaea-chief-2085412
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“Radiation levels outside the Natanz facility remained unchanged. The type of radioactive contamination present inside the facility, mainly alpha particles, can be managed with appropriate protective measures.” - DG @rafaelmgrossi
IAEA - International Atomic Energy Agency ⚛️
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“As of now, the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant has not been impacted,” DG @rafaelmgrossi says after further contacts with Iranian authorities.
11:03 AM · Jun 13, 2025
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