UN watchdog voices ‘deep concern’ as Iran reports new attacks on nuclear plant
UN Nuclear Monitor Expressed ‘Strong Warnings’ Amid Fourth Strike on Iran’s Bushehr Plant
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), acting as the UN’s nuclear oversight body, has raised alarms over recent strikes targeting Iran’s Bushehr nuclear facility. Iranian authorities claim the plant was hit for the fourth time during the ongoing conflict, with one staff member losing their life in the incident. While Tehran attributes the attack to the US and Israel, neither nation has officially confirmed involvement. The IAEA highlighted “deep concern” over the strikes, emphasizing that radiation levels at the site and surrounding regions remained unchanged.
Iran’s Defense and Continued Escalation
Despite the attack, Iran’s Atomic Energy Organisation stated that the plant’s core operations were unaffected, with main structures showing no significant damage. Moscow, which played a key role in constructing the facility, has initiated the evacuation of 198 personnel from the site. Rosatom’s head, Alexei Likhachev, confirmed the move, stating the process began that morning. Meanwhile, Iran has persisted in launching missile strikes against Gulf nations, Iraq, and Israel, with intercepted projectiles causing localized harm.
Political Tensions and Strategic Threats
US President Donald Trump temporarily halted strikes on energy targets in early March, urging Iran to negotiate a deal. However, he later warned on Truth Social that “all Hell will reign down on them” if the conditions weren’t met within 48 hours. The conflict, which began on 28 February following failed nuclear talks in Geneva, has seen both sides intensify military actions. Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, cautioned against escalating risks, noting that a major accident at Bushehr could “end life” in Gulf Arab states allied to the US.
“Remember the Western outrage about hostilities near Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine? Israel-U.S. have bombed our Bushehr plant four times now.”
Academic Institutions and Regional Fallout
Iran’s Science Minister, Hossein Simai Sarraf, reported that over 30 universities had been struck since the war began. Visiting Shahid Beheshti University, which was hit on Friday, he criticized the US and Israel for targeting “institutions of knowledge, laboratories, and research centers.” He added, “A civilised country, a civilised government never attacks such places.” The attacks have also expanded to include the Mahshahr petrochemical complex and Bandar Imam company, injuring five individuals in the process.
As the conflict persists, both Iranian and US forces are actively searching for a missing American crew member following the downing of an F-15 jet on Friday. A pilot was rescued, but the whereabouts of the other remains unknown. The situation underscores the evolving stakes of the war, with nuclear facilities and academic centers becoming symbolic fronts in the broader struggle.