Context:

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General, Rafael Mariano Grossi, communicated with Israeli President Isaac Herzog to report severe damage to Iran's Natanz nuclear facility following Israeli airstrikes. The Israeli Defense Forces claimed the strike targeted Iran's largest uranium enrichment site, which is central to its nuclear weapons program. While the Iranian authorities confirmed the impact on Natanz, they reported no elevated radiation levels and stated that other sites remained unaffected. Grossi expressed deep concern over the attack, emphasizing the risks such actions pose to nuclear safety, regional, and global security. He urged all parties to exercise restraint to prevent further escalation and potential grave consequences for Iran and beyond.

Dive Deeper:

• Rafael Mariano Grossi, the IAEA Director General, informed Israeli President Isaac Herzog about the significant damage inflicted on Iran's Natanz nuclear facility due to recent Israeli airstrikes.

• The Israeli Defense Forces stated that they precisely targeted the Natanz site, known as Iran's largest uranium enrichment facility, which plays a critical role in its nuclear weapons development efforts.

• Iranian authorities acknowledged the impact on the Natanz facility but confirmed there were no heightened radiation levels and that other major sites like Esfahan and Fordow were not affected.

• Grossi voiced serious concerns about the implications of attacking nuclear facilities, which endanger regional and international peace and security, as well as the environment and public safety.

• He called for maximum restraint from all involved parties to avoid further conflict escalation, highlighting the potentially dire consequences that military actions against nuclear sites could have globally.