New Delhi: Amid the deteriorating situation in the Middle-East, the United Nations’ atomic watchdog has confirmed the presence of chemical and radiological contamination within Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility following Israeli airstrikes. While radiation levels outside the site remain stable, the IAEA has warned of potential internal risks due to toxic materials used in uranium enrichment.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said that while there has been no external radiological impact detected, internal contamination involving uranium hexafluoride (UF6) and other hazardous compounds such as uranyl fluoride and hydrogen fluoride has occurred within the facility. These materials pose health risks if inhaled or ingested, though the agency added that these can be managed with proper protective gear.
No direct physical attack
The IAEA confirmed that one of the above-ground buildings — the Pilot Fuel Enrichment Plant, which had been enriching uranium up to 60% — was destroyed. Power loss to the underground cascade halls may have damaged sensitive centrifuge infrastructure, though no direct physical attack on the cascade halls themselves has been reported.
IAEA director-general Rafael Mariano Grossi, addressing an emergency session of the agency’s Board of Governors in Vienna, expressed deep concern over the incident. “Military escalation threatens lives, increases the chance of a radiological release with serious consequences for people and the environment, and delays indispensable work towards a diplomatic solution,” Grossi said.
He added that the chemical danger posed by uranium hexafluoride, describing it as “extremely volatile”, corrosive, and particularly dangerous if inhaled. While the radioactive threat is mainly limited to alpha radiation, which is not externally penetrating, it can be deadly when ingested or inhaled.
Widespread damage across Natanz complex
Satellite images analysed by the IAEA and other international bodies show widespread damage across the Natanz complex. In addition to Natanz, Israeli strikes also targeted the Isfahan nuclear site, where four buildings — including a uranium conversion plant and fuel manufacturing facility — were hit. No radiological impact has been reported from that site.
The IAEA also confirmed that Iran’s other major nuclear facilities — Fordow, Bushehr, Khondab, and the Tehran Research Reactor — have not sustained damage. However, Grossi cautioned that continued military activity could severely disrupt international oversight and increase the risk of an unintentional nuclear incident.
