Iran warns UN of ‘radioactive contamination risk’ after strikes near Bushehr nuclear plant

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has written to the United Nations, raising alarm over recent strikes near the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant and warning of a “serious risk of radioactive contamination” in the region.

In a letter addressed to UN Secretary-General António Guterres, Araghchi expressed concern over what he described as repeated attacks in the vicinity of the active nuclear facility. He said such actions could expose the region to severe human and environmental consequences.

“The repeated attacks by the aggressors in the vicinity of the active Bushehr nuclear power plant are of great concern. They expose the entire region to a serious risk of radioactive contamination with grave human and environmental consequences,” Araghchi said in the letter.

The warning follows an incident in which a projectile struck near the perimeter of the Bushehr plant, killing a member of the facility’s physical protection staff and damaging a nearby building.

According to available information, while auxiliary structures were affected, the main plant and its electricity production systems remained unharmed.

The development has also drawn concern from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said nuclear facilities and surrounding areas must not be targeted, stressing the need for restraint to prevent a nuclear accident.

The IAEA confirmed that there has been no increase in radiation levels at the site following the incident. However, the agency warned that attacks near nuclear facilities significantly increase the risk of potential accidents.

The incident marks one of several recent strikes reported near the Bushehr facility. According to the IAEA, this was the fourth such attack in recent weeks, highlighting escalating risks around critical nuclear infrastructure.

Araghchi, in his communication, urged the international community to take note of the situation and prevent further escalation that could endanger nuclear safety in the region.

The Bushehr nuclear plant, Iran’s only operational nuclear power facility, is located along the Persian Gulf coast and is considered a critical component of the country’s energy infrastructure.

The latest developments come amid an ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, which began earlier this year and has seen multiple strikes targeting strategic installations.