Rafael Grossi repeats call for ‘maximum restraint’ to both sides
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) director-general Rafael Grossi said today (16 June) that there has been no additional damage at Iran’s Natanz fuel enrichment facility since initial Israeli strikes on 13 June, with levels of radioactivity outside the Natanz site remaining unchanged and at normal levels.
Grossi said the airstrikes have destroyed the above-ground part of the pilot fuel enrichment plant, one of the sites at which Iran was producing uranium enriched up to 60% U-235.
Grossi told an emergency board of governors meeting that inside the Natanz facility there is both radiological and chemical contamination.
He said it is possible that uranium isotopes contained in uranium hexafluoride (UF6), uranyl fluoride and hydrogen fluoride are dispersed inside the facility, with radiation, primarily consisting of alpha particles, posing significant danger if inhaled or ingested.
According to Grossi, the risk can be “effectively managed” with proper safeguards, such as wearing respiratory protection inside the facility. The primary hazard is the chemical toxicity of UF₆ and fluoride compounds formed upon contact with water, he said.
The IAEA head said there has been no indication of a physical attack on the underground cascade hall at Natanz, which hosts the main fuel enrichment plant, but the loss of electricity supply to the cascade hall may have damaged the centrifuges there.
Grossi said no damage occurred at the sites of the Fordow fuel enrichment plant, Khondab heavy water reactor under construction, the commercial Bushehr nuclear plant, or the Tehran research reactor.
At Esfahan, four buildings were damaged, including a chemical lab, uranium conversion plant, fuel manufacturing facility, and a processing unit under construction.
Radiation levels remain unchanged at all these facilities, the IAEA confirmed.
“I acknowledge the cooperation and exchange of information between the Iranian authorities and the IAEA,” said Grossi.
“Amid theses challenging and complex circumstances, it is crucial that the IAEA receives timely and regular technical information about the facilities and their respective sites.”
He said the IAEA will remain present in Iran with safeguards inspections continuing as soon as conditions allow.
The agency is ready to respond to any nuclear or radiological emergency within an hour, Grossi said.
He called on both Irael and Iran to exercise “maximum restraint” to avoid further escalation
The IAEA will continue to monitor the situation and has set up a 24/7 incident and emergency centre, Grossi said.
