NewKerala.com

Iran's Key Heavy Water Plant "Severely Damaged," Declared Non-Operational by IAEA

The International Atomic Energy Agency has confirmed that Iran's heavy water production plant at Khondab is severely damaged and no longer operational following a reported attack. The agency, using satellite imagery, stated the facility contains no declared nuclear material, thus posing no radiation risk. This incident is part of a series of strikes amid ongoing regional tensions, with Iran reporting another attack on a steel plant using radioactive sources for gauging. The IAEA has also expressed concern over recent military activity near Iran's Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant.

Key Points: IAEA: Iran's Heavy Water Plant Damaged, No Radiation Risk

  • Plant severely damaged in reported attack
  • IAEA confirms no operational status
  • No radiation risk identified
  • Part of ongoing regional conflict
  • Other industrial nuclear sites also targeted
2 min read

Iran's heavy water plant severely damaged, not operational: IAEA

The IAEA confirms Iran's Khondab heavy water production plant is severely damaged and non-operational after reported attacks, with no radiation risk detected.

"has sustained severe damage and is no longer operational - IAEA"

Vienna, March 30

Iran's heavy water production plant at Khondab, located in central Iran, has been severely damaged and is no longer operational, the International Atomic Energy Agency said.

"Based on independent analysis of satellite imagery and knowledge of the installation, the IAEA has confirmed the heavy water production plant at Khondab, which Iran reported had been attacked on March 27, has sustained severe damage and is no longer operational," the IAEA said on social platform X.

The plant contains no declared nuclear material, the IAEA added, Xinhua news agency reports.

On March 27, the IAEA said that it had been informed by Iran that the heavy water production plant in Khondab was hit, but it confirmed that no radiation risk was identified. The strikes came amid the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict that started on February 28.

Earlier on Saturday, the IAEA confirmed that Iran had reported new strikes on key facilities, including the heavy water production plant at Khondab. The agency noted that there is no radiation risk from the strike, as the installation contains no declared nuclear material.

Taking to social media platform X, the agency announced: "IAEA informed by Iran that the heavy water production plant at Khondab was also hit today. No radiation risk seen as installation contains no declared nuclear material."

Separately, Iran reported that the Khuzestan Steel Production Factory, an industrial facility using sealed radioactive sources-Cobalt-60 (Co‑60) and Cesium-137 (Cs‑137)-for industrial gauging, was also targeted. Authorities said there was no off-site radiation release and the facility remains under normal operations.

Earlier on Friday, the IAEA also raised alarms over military activity near the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, marking the third such strike in 10 days.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
The most important line is "contains no declared nuclear material." This suggests Iran was following protocols, at least at this site. The constant strikes are making the whole situation more volatile. Hope diplomacy prevails before it affects global oil prices again.
D
David E
As an expat in India following this, the third strike in 10 days near Bushehr is alarming. Even if there's no immediate radiation leak, the risk of a miscalculation is too high. The international community needs to de-escalate, for everyone's sake.
A
Aman W
Our government has done well to maintain a balanced position so far. We have significant interests with both the Gulf nations and Israel. This conflict is a headache for our foreign policy and our energy imports. Jai Hind.
S
Sarah B
Respectfully, I have to criticize the framing of some reports. Calling it a "US-Israel-Iran conflict" that "started" on a specific date oversimplifies decades of tension. The article is factual on the damage, but the context is shallow.
K
Karthik V
The real concern is the steel plant with Cobalt-60 being targeted. If such a facility is hit, the consequences could be regional. Thank god there was no release this time. This is getting too close for comfort. 🙏

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50