‘A strike could trigger a nuclear accident’: WHO chief flags nuclear risk after Bushehr strike
Geneva: World Health Organisation Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Sunday raised fresh concerns over the safety of nuclear facilities in Iran following recent attacks near the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant.
Ghebreyesus cautioned that any strike on such facilities could have catastrophic consequences, warning of long-term health impacts across generations.
In a post on X, he said, "I join the IAEA in raising the alarm again over the safety of nuclear facilities in Iran. The latest incident involving the Bushehr nuclear power plant is a stark reminder: a strike could trigger a nuclear accident, with health impacts that would devastate generations. With every passing day of this escalating conflict, the stakes and threats are raised higher and higher. We must de-escalate now. Peace is the best medicine."
Also read | 48 hours in Iran: The untold story of pilot survival
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that a projectile had struck close to the facility, marking the fourth such incident in recent weeks. According to the agency, one member of the site’s physical protection staff was killed by a projectile fragment, while a building on the premises sustained damage from shockwaves and debris. However, no increase in radiation levels was reported.
In a statement posted on X, the IAEA said, "The IAEA has been informed by Iran that a projectile struck close to the premises of the Bushehr NPP this morning, the fourth such incident in recent weeks. Iran also informed the IAEA that one of the site's physical protection staff members was killed by a projectile fragment and that a building on site was affected by shockwaves and fragments. No increase in radiation levels was reported."
Also read | Projectile hits Bushehr nuclear plant in Iran amid Trump’s threats, security personnel killed
IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi expressed deep concern over the development, reiterating that nuclear facilities must not be targeted under any circumstances.
The agency added, "IAEA DG Rafael Mariano Grossi expresses deep concern about the reported incident and says NPP sites or nearby areas must never be attacked, noting that auxiliary site buildings may contain vital safety equipment. Reiterating call for maximum military restraint to avoid risk of a nuclear accident, DG Grossi again stresses the paramount importance of adhering to the 7 pillars for ensuring nuclear safety and security during a conflict."
The latest incident follows a similar strike near the perimeter of the Bushehr plant on Saturday, which resulted in the death of a security personnel member, according to Iran’s Tasnim news agency.
Tasnim reported that while an auxiliary building was damaged, the main sections of the facility remained unaffected and power production continued without disruption.