Iran nuclear site may be contaminated, UN nuclear agency says – National

The head of the United Nations nuclear surveillance agency said on Monday that there was a possibility of radiological and chemical contamination in Iran main installation of nuclear enrichment in Natanz After Israeli strikes, Although the radiation levels outside the complex are currently normal.

The influence represents a significant danger if uranium is inhaled or ingested, said the director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency Rafael Mariano Grossi.

The risk can be managed effectively with appropriate protective measures, such as the use of respiratory protection devices inside the installations, said Grosi.

“The level of radioactivity outside the Natanz site has remained unchanged and at normal levels, not informing any external radiological impact on the population or the environment of this event,” he said.

Grosi was addressed to an urgent session of the Board of Directors of the AIAA in Vienna which was summoned to the request of Russia to discuss Israeli attacks against Iranian nuclear installations. He said that there was apparently no additional damage to Natanz and the Isfahan nuclear research site since Saturday.

He said the main concern inside the installation of Natanz is the chemical toxicity of a gas called uranium hexafluoride, which is the result of a fluorine mixed with uranium during enrichment. It is extremely volatile, will corrode quickly, can burn the skin and is particularly fatal if it is inhaled, say the experts.

“In the midst of these difficult and complex circumstances, it is crucial that the AIEA receives technical information in a timely and regular manner on the facilities and their respective sites,” said Grosi.

Without information, the United Nations agency “cannot precisely assess the radiological conditions and potential impacts on the population and the environment and cannot provide the necessary assistance”.

Grossi said that UN inspectors would remain present in Iran and inspect the nuclear installations “as soon as the security conditions allow”.

He warned that “military climbing threatens lives, increases the chances of radiological release with serious consequences for people and the environment and delays essential work towards a diplomatic solution for long -term insurance that Iran does not acquire nuclear weapons.”

Venezuela made a joint declaration at the meeting of the Special Council on behalf of a group of states, including Iran and Russia, condemning the attack on Israel against Iranian nuclear installations, diplomats said anonymity to discuss the meeting on closed doors.

The satellite photos analyzed by the Associated Press present significant damage in the main installation of nuclear enrichment of Iran in Natanz. The images captured on Saturday by Planet Labs PBC show several damaged or destroyed buildings. Structures struck include buildings identified by experts and providing energy to installation.

Trend now

• Carney arrives in Alberta for the G7 Summit with Trump meeting 1st on the agenda

• The Italian art museum calls visitors who sat on a crystal chair and broke it

Grosi told the United Nations Security Council on Friday that the Natanz installation was destroyed. The main underground centrifuge did not seem to be affected, but the loss of power could have damaged the infrastructure there, he said.

Israel also struck a nuclear research installation in Isfahan. The IAEA said that four critical buildings had been damaged, including a uranium conversion installation, but there was no sign of radiation in Natanz or Isfahan.

Grossi also declared on Monday to the Council of IAEA governors that no damage had been observed on the site of the Fordo enrichment site, which is buried under a mountain and protected by anti-aircraft batteries. Fordo seems designed to withstand air strikes.

Grossi also said that the Bushehr nuclear power plant, the only commercial nuclear power plant in Iran, has not been targeted or affected by recent attacks, and the Tehran research reactor does not have either.

Any country of the board of directors of 35 members of the IAEA can call a meeting under its rules. Last week, the IAEA board of directors noted that Iran was in non-conformity with its nuclear obligations for the first time in 20 years.

& Copy 2025 the Canadian press