Iran's nuclear facilities unaffected by Israeli attack, says IAEA chief

A woman walks past a mural painting of Iranian flags in a street in Tehran on October 26, 2024. Residents of Tehran awoke and went about their business as planned on October 26 after their sleep was troubled by Israeli strikes that triggered blasts that echoed across the city. (Photo by ATTA KENARE / AFP)

LONDON: Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi has confirmed that Iran’s nuclear facilities were not affected in the latest Israeli attack.

"Iran’s nuclear facilities remain unaffected. IAEA inspectors are safe and continue their essential work,” Grossi posted on his social media platform X on Saturday night, reported the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA).

The IAEA chief further urged caution, stating, "I call for prudence and restraint from actions that could compromise the safety and security of nuclear and other radioactive materials.”

However, he stopped short of condemning the Israeli attack on Iran, which is notably not a signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) -- a keystone in global efforts to curb the spread of nuclear weapons.

Israel’s airstrikes on Iranian territory on Saturday have ignited global condemnation, sparking widespread outrage and urgent calls for an immediate ceasefire.

Governments across both regional and international spheres have denounced the attacks, underscoring rising tensions in the Middle East.- Bernama