IAEA Grossi warns of mass evacuations if nuclear power stations attacked — 555 killed in Iran

IAEA DG Grossi at the IAEA Board of Governors opening (March 2, Vienna): "We cannot rule out a possible radiological release with serious consequences, including the necessity to evacuate areas as large or larger than major cities." "Let me underline that the situation today is very concerning. 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." He listed at-risk facilities: • UAE: 4 operating nuclear reactors (Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant). • Jordan and Syria: Operational nuclear research reactors. • Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia: "These countries all use nuclear applications of some sort. We therefore urge utmost restraint in all military operations." On Iran's struck facilities: "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 continue with no response so far." He expressed "a strong sense of frustration" that negotiations had failed: "Diplomacy is hard, but it is never impossible. Nuclear diplomacy is even more difficult, but it's never impossible." Iranian Red Crescent Society (Telegram post, March 2): • 555 people killed in Iran across 131 cities from US-Israeli strikes. • Over 100,000 rescuers on "full alert." • Network of approximately 4 million volunteers on standby for humanitarian services and psychosocial support. • Guardian noted: "We have not been able to independently verify these figures yet."