IAEA warns risk of radiation leak in Iran could require evacuations

IAEA Rafael Grossi chief warns radiation leak risk in Iran cannot be ruled out

The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) warned that the risk of a radiation leak in Iran cannot be ruled out and could have serious consequences, potentially requiring the evacuation of vast areas comparable in size to major cities, describing the situation as “very concerning” amid the latest military escalation.

Director General Rafael Grossi told a meeting of the 35-member IAEA Board of Governors on Monday that the agency has so far received no indications that Iran’s nuclear facilities have suffered direct damage or been hit in US or Israeli attacks. However, he said concerns remain due to the lack of direct communication channels with Iranian authorities.

Grossi said the agency is facing technical and communication difficulties, noting that efforts to contact Iran’s nuclear regulatory authorities are continuing without response so far. He stressed the need to restore the indispensable communication channel as soon as possible to ensure the safety of nuclear facilities.

On monitoring, Grossi said tracking systems have not detected any rise in radiation levels above normal in countries neighboring Iran so far, but he renewed calls on all parties to exercise maximum restraint in military operations to avoid an environmental and humanitarian catastrophe.