Tension increased in West Asia: Iran accused of attacking nuclear sites, IAEA termed the claim as unproven

Tehran. Amidst the ongoing military tension in West Asia, Iran has made a big allegation that America and Israel have attacked its nuclear sites. Iran’s ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) claimed Sunday’s attacks targeted the country’s nuclear facilities.

However, the global nuclear watchdog IAEA has not yet confirmed damage to any nuclear facility. The agency’s director general, Rafael Mariano Grossi, made it clear at a meeting of the 35-member Board of Governors on Monday that according to available information, there were no signs of attack or damage to any of Iran’s nuclear facilities. He acknowledged that the situation is serious, but at the moment the nuclear centers appear safe.

Global concern increased regarding nuclear security-
Grossi expressed deep concern over the deteriorating security situation in West Asia. He warned that in the current situation the possibility of radiological leakage i.e. spread of nuclear radiation cannot be completely ruled out. If this happens, it could have serious consequences and areas the size of big cities may have to be evacuated.

The IAEA has assured that the agency is fully prepared to deal with any emergency and is in constant touch with the member countries.

Threat looming on nuclear infrastructure in many countries-
The IAEA chief said that many countries in West Asia, including Iran, have active nuclear plants and research reactors. The United Arab Emirates has four operational nuclear reactors, while Jordan and Syria have operational research reactors.

Apart from this, increasing military tension in countries like Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia has increased concerns about the nuclear security of the entire region.

Radiation level normal, monitoring strict-
According to the IAEA, radiation levels are currently normal in the countries adjacent to Iran. Yet the regional security monitoring network has been put on alert. The agency said immediate action would be taken in case of any possible nuclear security breach.

The Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, the Tehran Research Reactor and other nuclear fuel facilities are currently safe, according to the IAEA. Grossi also said that efforts to contact Iran’s nuclear regulatory authorities are continuing, but so far no formal response has been received.

Regional tension flared up after the attacks-
This statement has come at a time when tension in the region is at its peak after the operation conducted by America and Israel. After the attack, news of the death of Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei came to light, after which Iran started retaliating against US-Israel targets in many countries of West Asia.

The IAEA chief appealed to all countries to exercise restraint and said that the situation is extremely sensitive. He stressed that nuclear diplomacy is difficult, but not impossible. A safe solution to the current crisis is possible only through dialogue and negotiation, so that no major threat to nuclear security arises.