NewKerala.com

IAEA Warns of Radiological Risk in West Asia Amid Military Attacks

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi has voiced grave concern over the security situation in West Asia, stating a radiological release with severe consequences cannot be ruled out. He highlighted that several countries with operational nuclear plants or reactors have been subject to military attacks, elevating the threat. While confirming no damage to Iran's nuclear facilities so far, Grossi noted communication with Iranian regulators has been cut. He urged maximum restraint in military operations and emphasized that nuclear diplomacy, while difficult, is never impossible.

Key Points: IAEA Warns of Radiological Release Risk in West Asia Tensions

  • IAEA warns of serious radiological risk
  • Military attacks threaten nuclear facilities
  • Calls for utmost restraint in operations
  • No damage reported to Iran's nuclear sites
3 min read

'Possibility of radiological release cannot be ruled out': IAEA DG Rafael Grossi on tensions in West Asia

IAEA chief Rafael Grossi expresses deep concern over nuclear safety in West Asia, warning a radiological release "cannot be ruled out" amid attacks.

"We cannot rule out a possible radiological release with serious consequences, including the necessity to evacuate areas as large or larger than major cities. - Rafael Grossi"

Vienna, March 2

IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi on Monday expressed deep concern over the developing security situation in West Asia and said that the possibility of radiological release with serious consequences cannot be ruled out.

Speaking at the IAEA Board of Governors Meeting, Grossi said, "The IAEA has extensive knowledge of the nature and location of nuclear and radiological material in the region, and we have clear guidance for actions necessary in case of an attack or an accident causing a radiological release as well as the ability for hands on help if it is required. Let me underline that the situation today is very concerning. 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 that the IAEA is working in tandem with member countries while also being ready to react immediately if a breach in nuclear safety occurs.

He added that several countries in the region have been subject to military attacks that have operational nuclear power plants and reactors, increasing the threat to nuclear safety in the region.

The IAEA Chief said, "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. The United Arab Emirates has four operating nuclear reactors. Jordan and Syria have operational nuclear research reactors. Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia have also been attacked. These countries all use nuclear applications of some sort or the other. We therefore urge utmost restraint in all military operations."

He further said that while there has been no elevation of radiation levels in countries bordering Iran, the regional safety monitoring network has been put on alert and is liaising with the IAEA continuously.

Grossi informed that none of the nuclear facilities in Iran had been damaged so far. "Regarding the status of the nuclear installations in Iran up to now, we have no indication that any of the nuclear installations, including the Bushehr nuclear power plant, the Tehran research reactor, or other nuclear fuel cycle facilities have been damaged or hit."

"Efforts to contact the Iranian nuclear regulatory authorities through the IEC continue with no response so far", he added and called for the channel of communication to be reestablished as soon as possible.

He noted that he was called for the talks in Geneva and added, "Diplomacy is hard, but it is never impossible. Nuclear diplomacy is even more difficult, but it's never impossible."

His remarks come in wake of Operation Epic Fury/ Roaring Lion launched by the United States and Israel which led in the killing of Ayatollah Khamenei. In response, Iran launched a series of attacks targeting US-Israeli infrastructure across several nations of West Asia.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The IAEA chief is right to sound the alarm. When nuclear facilities become targets in a conflict, it's a nightmare scenario. The international community needs to put immense pressure on all parties to step back. The safety of millions is at stake.
V
Vikram M
As an Indian, my first thought is for the safety of the large Indian diaspora in the UAE and other Gulf countries. If an evacuation of "areas larger than major cities" is needed, it would be a humanitarian catastrophe. Our embassies need to be on highest alert.
R
Rohit P
While the concern is valid, I feel the IAEA is sometimes too cautious and its warnings can cause unnecessary panic. They say there's no indication of damage to Iran's plants and radiation levels are normal. Focus should be on quiet diplomacy, not public statements that escalate fear.
P
Priya S
This is terrifying. We have family in Dubai. The idea that those new nuclear reactors could be at risk... it's unthinkable. World leaders need to stop playing games with people's lives. India has good relations with many in the region; we should offer to help mediate.
M
Michael C
The technical and logistical challenge of evacuating a major city like Dubai or Abu Dhabi in a radiation emergency is almost impossible to imagine. This underscores why attacking nuclear infrastructure should be considered a red line by the entire world. The stakes are too high.

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

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50