IAEA Chief Warns of Possible Radiological Release Amid West Asia Tensions

Vienna, March 2: International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi on Monday expressed deep concern over the deteriorating security situation in West Asia and cautioned that the possibility of a radiological release with serious consequences cannot be ruled out.

Addressing the IAEA Board of Governors meeting in Vienna, Grossi said the agency has detailed knowledge of the location and nature of nuclear and radiological materials in the region and stands ready to assist in case of an attack or accident.

“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 said.

Grossi said the agency is coordinating with member states and remains prepared to respond immediately if nuclear safety is compromised. He noted that several countries in the region that have faced military attacks operate nuclear power plants and research reactors.

“Iran and many other countries in the region that have been subject to military attacks have operational nuclear power plants and nuclear research reactors, as well as associated fuel storage sites, increasing the threat to nuclear safety,” he said.

He pointed out that the United Arab Emirates operates four nuclear reactors, while Jordan and Syria have operational research reactors. Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia also use nuclear applications in various forms.

Grossi urged restraint in military operations to prevent any escalation that could endanger nuclear facilities.

He said there has been no increase in radiation levels in countries bordering Iran so far. However, the regional safety monitoring network has been put on alert and remains in constant contact with the IAEA.

On the status of Iran’s nuclear sites, Grossi said there was no indication that facilities such as the Bushehr nuclear power plant, the Tehran research reactor or other fuel cycle installations had been damaged.

He added that efforts to reach Iranian nuclear regulatory authorities through established channels were continuing, but there had been no response so far. He called for communication lines to be restored at the earliest.

Referring to diplomatic efforts, Grossi said he had been called for talks in Geneva and stressed that nuclear diplomacy, though difficult, remains possible.

His remarks come amid heightened tensions in West Asia following military operations by the United States and Israel and subsequent retaliatory strikes by Iran targeting infrastructure across the region.