Third strike in area of Bushehr nuclear power plant in 10 days — IAEA warns of radiological risk

The United Nations nuclear watchdog (IAEA) says it has been informed by Iran of a new strike in the area of the Bushehr nuclear power plant in Iran's Bushehr Province, on the Persian Gulf coast. This is the third such reported strike near the operating reactor in 10 days. Tehran told the agency there was no damage to the operating reactor and no radiation release, and that the plant was functioning normally. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi issued a warning via X that any strike damaging a nuclear reactor could trigger a major radiological incident and urged 'maximum military restraint.' Bushehr is Iran's only operating nuclear power plant, a 1,000 MW reactor that generates electricity for southern Iran. Multiple strikes near the plant without a direct hit reflect either intentional pressure on Iranian nuclear infrastructure or potential proximity effects from strikes on military targets in the area. The pattern of three incidents in 10 days suggests sustained military activity in the Bushehr region.